Introducing: The New 18K Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona With A Turquoise Lacquer Dial

It’s been two years since Rolex introduced its current Cosmograph Daytona. With an updated design and a new movement, the new Daytona was the biggest highlight in a string of great releases from the Genevan brand in 2023. For 2025, Rolex expands the Daytona collection with a surprising new 18K yellow gold version. Whereas the standard dials of the yellow gold models were relatively predictable in gold, black, or white, the latest Cosmograph Daytona features a surprising turquoise lacquer dial. Additionally, the brand introduces an additional six dial variations. Let’s check the new models out.

As most of you will know, the most vibrant and colorful dial of all the standard Daytona models is the ice-blue one in the platinum model. For the gold models, the brand has only introduced a series of fairly straightforward colors. Of course, there are the standard black and white options in different configurations. Additionally, the steel and beautiful Sundust dials add a little more brilliance to the presence. Lastly, the full-gold dial is an obvious standout in the lineup of standard dials. When it comes to the more exclusive versions, last year, Rolex added two gem-set white gold Daytona models with mother-of-pearl dials to the lineup. For this year, Rolex decided to go colorful and introduce a vibrant turquoise lacquer dial for its 18K yellow gold model on the Oysterflex bracelet. On top of that, we get an additional six dial variations to liven up the Daytona collection.

The basic specs of the gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona models

Let’s start with some basic specs first. Just like all the Daytona models, the new turquoise-dial model features the familiar Daytona case in 18K yellow gold, measuring 40mm in diameter, 11.9mm in thickness, 46mm in length, and 20mm between the lugs. As most of you will know, for the Daytona models on an Oysterflex bracelet, the precious metal case is matched with a black ceramic bezel with numerals and markings corresponding to the yellow gold case.

For this new Daytona ref. 126518LN, the yellow gold case is matched with a bright turquoise lacquer dial. The three black sub-dials and the black text on the dial’s upper half contrast this shade of blue nicely. The dial is combined with 18K yellow gold applied markers and yellow gold hands. All of them are filled with white Super-LumiNova to ensure great readability in darker light conditions. Additionally, the sub-dials all feature yellow-gold hands and details. Lastly, we get a hint of red in the form of the Daytona name located above the sub-dial at 6 o’clock.

Stylishly finishing the look is the familiar Oysterflex bracelet featuring a Glidelock clasp in yellow gold. Overall, the combination of yellow gold and black works very well. The new turquoise dial also provides a vibrant splash of color to make this new model stand out immediately in the Cosmograph Daytona collection. The new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126518LN with the turquoise lacquer dial has a retail price of €37,700.

The Rolex in-house caliber 4131

Like the previously released models, the new Daytona is powered by Rolex’s in-house caliber 4131. This chronometer-certified automatic chronograph movement debuted in 2023 and is accurate to ±2 seconds per day. The caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 44 jewels, and offers a 72-hour power reserve. Additionally, it features a Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, and optimized ball bearings.

Six more additional dials for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection

But that is not where the colorfulness ends. Rolex has also added three meteorite dials and three new additional dial colors to the line-up. Let’s start with the latter. Another sneaky addition to the Cosmograph Daytona line-up is a full 18K yellow gold model with a bright green dial. It immediately reminds us of the popular “John Mayer” Daytona, although this new dial variant features gold sub-dials and loses the red accents in the counters. This model also comes with an 18K yellow gold bezel and bracelet to turn the show-off factor up to a maximum for this new Daytona ref. 126508, which costs €48,800.

A second new model is a full 18K white gold Daytona with a blue dial with red and white gold accents. It’s another familiar dial variation that Daytona fans will absolutely adore. this new ref. 126509 has a list price of €52,300.  The third version, and my undisputed favorite, is a new 18K Everose ref. 126505 with a chocolate dial with black sub-dials. Some nice Everose gold details contrast the dial to create an absolute stunner of a watch that has a list price of €52,300, just like the white gold model. But if you prefer this model on an Oysterflex bracelet, that is also possible for €39,600.

Lastly, Rolex also re-introduced meteorite dials for its current generation of Daytona models. We have seen these on the wrists of Rolex ambassadors like tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, but until now, they weren’t available to the public. That has now changed with a trio of gold Daytona models with a black bezel on the Oysterflex bracelet. While they are not as colorful as the new turquoise blue lacquer variant, these special dials are super impressive and have a large group of fans. The Everose gold ref. 126515LN is €44,100, the yellow gold ref. 126518LN is €42,200, and lastly, the white gold ref. 126519LN is also €44,100, like the Everose gold version.

Thoughts on the new dials for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Overall, it makes sense that Rolex expands its Cosmograph Daytona collection. Up until now, we have seen great dials for the brand’s iconic chronograph. But they were also what we expected from the Genevan brand. With the new dial variations, the brand turns the colorfulness up to 11. As a result, they offer some brighter options for people who are considering buying a new gold Rolex Daytona.

While the new blue turquoise lacquer dial is not necessarily the color that I had expected for the famous chronograph, I absolutely adore it. Could it be the beginning of a new series of colorful dials?  I certainly hope so. For now, this is a dial that certainly will have people talking. But as already mentioned, the Genevan brand has you covered if you like something a bit more conservative. The new green dial variant of the full 18K yellow gold model might be less surprising, but it adds another colorful dial to the line-up. I applaud Rolex for spicing things up for its iconic chronograph. We can’t wait to put the new turquoise blue dial Rolex Daytona on my wrist. I know my smile will be massive.