Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm Automatic 18k Yellow Gold Men Watch 116518LN The Rolex Daytona 116518LN is a masterful blend of traditional luxury and high-performance modern engineering. Launched in 2017, this reference marked the introduction of the Oysterflex bracelet to the yellow gold Daytona line, replacing the classic leather strap and radically modernizing the model’s aesthetic. The 40mm case is crafted from solid 18k yellow gold, cast in Rolex’s own foundry, and is topped with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel featuring an engraved tachymetric scale. This contrast between the warm gold and the deep black ceramic makes it one of the most visually striking “Professional” watches in the catalog. While available in several dial configurations, the black dial with champagne sub-dials (often nicknamed the “Paul Newman” or “Pikachu” dial by collectors) is arguably the most iconic. It is powered by the Calibre 4130, a vertically clutched chronograph movement that was discontinued in 2023 to make way for the new 12-series. Because it has now been officially replaced by the 126518LN, the 116518LN is transitioning into a “modern-classic” status, highly sought after for its specific case proportions and the legacy of the 4130 movement. Key Features Model Name Cosmograph Daytona Condition New Reference Number 116518LN Production Years 2017 – 2023 (Discontinued) Case Material 18k Yellow Gold Dimensions 40 mm Bezel Fixed Black Cerachrom Ceramic Dial Various (Black, Champagne, White, Meteorite) Movement Calibre 4130 (72-hour power reserve) Bracelet Oysterflex (Titanium/Nickel core with Elastomer) Clasp 18k Yellow Gold Oysterlock with Easylink Water Resistance 100 m (330 ft) The Oysterflex Innovation. Metal Core: Although it looks like rubber, the Oysterflex features a flexible titanium and nickel alloy blade core, ensuring it is as secure as a metal bracelet. Longitudinal Cushions: The underside of the strap features a patented wing system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and allows for airflow, making it exceptionally comfortable in humid climates. The “Superlative” Chronograph. Cerachrom Bezel: The ceramic bezel is virtually scratch-proof and resistant to UV rays, meaning the black will never fade or turn “ghost” like vintage aluminum inserts. Calibre 4130: This movement uses fewer components than a standard chronograph to increase reliability. It features a Parachrom hairspring, which is ten times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
