Rolex Daytona “Rainbow”

The Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” represents the most extravagant interpretation of Rolex's iconic racing chronograph. The modern Rainbow Daytona first emerged with references including 116595RBOW, introduced in 2018 in 18-carat Everose gold, featuring a bezel set with a graduated spectrum of baguette-cut sapphires. Matching multicoloured hour markers further enhanced the dial, while the case and bracelet were crafted entirely from precious metal. Earlier Rainbow Daytonas had appeared in yellow and white gold configurations, including 116598RBOW and 116599RBOW, establishing the concept before the Everose version became one of Rolex's most recognisable gem-set watches.

The Rainbow's significance lies in the extraordinary level of craftsmanship required to create a seamless colour progression around the bezel. Unlike conventional Rolex gem-set watches, where uniform stones create a consistent border, the Rainbow requires careful selection and arrangement of sapphires by colour, size and tone. This makes examples with strong colour transitions particularly desirable among collectors. The watch also represents a very different side of Daytona collecting — one defined by haute joaillerie rather than motorsport understatement. It is an Icon because it pushed the Daytona into the world of high jewellery while retaining the model's unmistakable identity, creating one of the most visually dramatic and technically ambitious Rolex watches of the modern era.