Rolex - Daytona 116518 40mm Gain Weight YG/RU Wht/Blk/Num QF V11 SA4130

QF Factory V11 Rolex Daytona 116518 40mm Yellow Gold Best Edition White Dial Black Subdials with Arabic Numeral Markers on Oysterflex Rubber Strap with SA4130 Movement (Increased In Weight To Approximately 160 Grams)

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518 Product Description

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518 is a distinctive 18 ct yellow gold model from the generation that marked the Daytona’s transition to a Rolex in-house chronograph movement. It preserves the professional chronograph design inspired by the world of motor racing while combining a yellow gold Oyster case with a leather strap, bringing a refined precious-metal character to this iconic sports chronograph.

The 116518 belongs to the six-digit Daytona generation introduced around 2000 and is powered by the Rolex Calibre 4130 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement, developed and manufactured in-house. Its 40 mm yellow gold case, metal tachymetric bezel, three-counter dial and leather strap give the reference its distinctive appearance.

Product Features

18 ct Yellow Gold Oyster Case

The 116518 features an approximately 40 mm Oyster case crafted in 18 ct yellow gold, maintaining the classic and balanced proportions associated with the Cosmograph Daytona.

The warm and distinctive tone of yellow gold complements the sporting lines of the Daytona case without diminishing its strong chronograph character. The weight and refined feel of the precious metal add another level of sophistication to its athletic design.

Compared with a Daytona fitted with a full yellow gold bracelet, the leather strap gives the 116518 a visually lighter appearance and places greater emphasis on the gold case.

Classic Daytona Three-Counter Dial

The 116518 retains the signature three-counter layout of the Cosmograph Daytona. It displays hours, minutes and small seconds, while a central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter measure elapsed time.

These counters are an essential part of the Daytona’s professional chronograph functionality. Their balanced arrangement provides clear readability while creating one of the collection’s most recognizable design signatures.

During its production period, the 116518 was offered with a wide variety of dial configurations, including black, champagne, white and different mother-of-pearl versions. Certain examples also feature diamond hour markers or other special details. Exact specifications may therefore vary between individual watches.

18 ct Yellow Gold Fixed Tachymetric Bezel

The watch features a fixed 18 ct yellow gold bezel engraved with the Daytona’s characteristic tachymetric scale.

Used in conjunction with the chronograph, the tachymeter can calculate average speed over a known distance. This function reflects the longstanding connection between the Cosmograph Daytona and motor racing and remains one of the model’s defining design elements.

The yellow gold bezel visually integrates with the case, creating a harmonious appearance that emphasizes the classic character of this precious-metal Daytona.

Rolex Calibre 4130 In-House Automatic Chronograph Movement

The 116518 is powered by the Rolex Calibre 4130 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement.

Introduced with the new generation of Daytona in 2000, Calibre 4130 was developed and manufactured by Rolex and represented an important step in the technical evolution of the collection.

Its chronograph architecture was designed for efficiency and reliability, using an optimized mechanical construction that also facilitates servicing.

Calibre 4130 provides a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. When fully wound, the watch can generally continue running for around three days without being worn, providing excellent convenience for everyday use.

Professional Mechanical Chronograph

In addition to displaying hours, minutes and small seconds, the 116518 offers complete mechanical chronograph functionality.

The central chronograph seconds hand records seconds, while the 30-minute and 12-hour counters measure longer intervals. Two pushers positioned on the right side of the case control the start, stop and reset functions.

The screw-down chronograph pushers and screw-down winding crown are also characteristic Daytona design elements, combining practical functionality with a distinctive mechanical sports-watch aesthetic.

Oyster Case and 100-Metre Water Resistance

The 116518 uses Rolex’s classic Oyster case construction, incorporating a screw-down case back, a Triplock screw-down winding crown and screw-down chronograph pushers.

The watch is water-resistant to 100 metres and fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its robust Oyster construction reflects the Daytona’s emphasis on reliability and protection.

Although the 116518 combines 18 ct yellow gold with a leather strap, it retains the practical qualities expected from the Cosmograph Daytona as a sports chronograph.

Distinctive Character of the Leather Strap

The leather strap is one of the defining characteristics of the 116518.

Compared with a full 18 ct yellow gold Oyster bracelet, the leather strap reduces the visual weight of the watch while allowing the gold case and dial to take greater prominence. The combination of a sporting chronograph case and a traditional leather strap gives the 116518 a distinctive character between a professional sports watch and a classic precious-metal timepiece.

Depending on the production period and dial configuration, the 116518 was offered with leather straps in different colours and finishes, paired with a Rolex folding clasp in 18 ct yellow gold. Exact strap specifications should therefore be confirmed for each individual watch.

Wide Selection of Dials

The appeal of the 116518 comes not only from its yellow gold construction but also from its diverse range of dial options.

In addition to classic black, champagne and light-coloured dials, the reference was produced with various mother-of-pearl and gem-set configurations.

Natural mother-of-pearl presents unique variations in colour and texture, changing subtly under different lighting conditions and viewing angles.

This diversity allows the 116518 to range from the traditional and mature character of a classic yellow gold Daytona to more distinctive and decorative interpretations featuring mother-of-pearl or diamond hour markers.

Summary

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518 combines the Daytona’s iconic professional chronograph design with the refined character of 18 ct yellow gold, making it an important yellow gold reference from the early Calibre 4130 era.

Its approximately 40 mm 18 ct yellow gold Oyster case, fixed yellow gold tachymetric bezel, three-counter dial, Calibre 4130 automatic chronograph movement, approximately 72-hour power reserve and leather strap define the distinctive identity of the 116518.

Its appeal extends beyond the use of precious metal. The leather strap gives the watch a more restrained appearance, while the characteristic Daytona counters, tachymetric bezel and screw-down pushers preserve its sporting identity. The result is a natural balance between precious-metal refinement and the dynamic character of a racing chronograph.

A wide selection of black, champagne, mother-of-pearl and diamond-set dial configurations further enhances the variety of the 116518. As specifications varied throughout its production period, the exact configuration of an individual watch should always be confirmed according to the watch itself, its production period and available original documentation.