Rolex - Daytona 116508 40mm Gain Weight YG/YG Grn/Stk AVF DD4130

AVF Factory Rolex Daytona 116508 Tungsten Gain Weight 1:1 Best Edition Green Stick Dial on Yellow Gold Bracelet with Modified DD4130

Rolex Daytona 116508 Review

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508 is a modern classic in 18k yellow gold. Introduced in 2016 and discontinued in 2023, it represents the final iteration of the 116XXX series, renowned by collectors for its reliable movement and the cultural impact of its green dial variant.

The "John Mayer" Green Dial Phenomenon
While the 116508 was released alongside the ceramic bezel steel Daytona, it initially gained traction as a "sleeper hit." The metallic sunburst green dial gained legendary status after musician and collector John Mayer endorsed it in 2019, propelling it from a niche gold chronograph to one of the most coveted Rolexes ever made. Unlike the olive greens of the "Hulk" or "Kermit," the 116508’s green dial is a radiant emerald that appears almost black in low light and transforms into a vibrant sunray green in direct sunlight.

Collectible Dial Variations
Besides the green dial, notable variations include the "Pikachu" (yellow dial with black sub-dials), the "Paul Newman" (black dial with gold sub-dials), and rare meteorite versions.

Technical Prowess: Caliber 4130
The heart of the 116508 is the Caliber 4130, one of the finest mass-produced chronograph movements. Rolex simplified the movement by reducing its components to 201, creating space for a larger mainspring and providing a robust 72-hour power reserve. The vertical clutch allows the chronograph seconds hand to start smoothly and run indefinitely without affecting timekeeping accuracy. Operating at 4Hz, it maintains Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer standard of +2/-2 seconds per day.

Market Performance & Discontinuation
In 2023, the 116508 was replaced by the 126508, which features a slimmer case and the updated Caliber 4131. After production ended, the secondary market prices for the green dial variant surged nearly 20% overnight. While the original retail price was around $37,000–$38,700, the green dial typically trades between $70,000 and $90,000 on the secondary market as of early 2026, depending on condition and papers.

The 116508 vs. 126508
Collectors tend to prefer the 116508 for its thicker, more "muscular" lugs and the original tone-on-tone green sub-dials. In contrast, the newer 126508 has a more vintage-inspired design with contrasting sub-dial rings.

Collector's Summary
The Rolex 116508 is a prized asset for any high-end collection, representing a unique era when a solid gold sports watch transcended its utilitarian roots to become a cultural icon. While other dial variations exist, the "John Mayer" green is considered the crown jewel of this reference, offering rarity, celebrity provenance, and a striking visual identity.