The headline upgrades
Rolex updated the steel Daytona to reference **126500** with the in‑house **calibre 4131**. It keeps the famous **72‑hour power reserve**, adds **Chronergy** escapement efficiency and Paraflex shock protection, and carries the **Superlative Chronometer** rating of −2/+2 sec/day after casing. Externally, the geometry is fractionally refined, but the formula stays true: a compact, comfortable 40 mm chronograph built for daily wear.
Wrist feel & usability
The Oystersteel case and bracelet keep the watch balanced; the ceramic **Cerachrom** bezel resists scratches and preserves its colour. Legibility remains classic Daytona: three registers, crisp contrast and **Chromalight** lume for night reading. The **Oyster** bracelet’s safety clasp secures confidently, while the screw‑down pushers maintain 100 m water‑resistance.
Why collectors care
The 4131 isn’t a revolution, but it’s a modernisation of the already‑legendary 4130 with efficiency gains and refined finishing, including Geneva‑style stripes on bridges. The watch remains a benchmark luxury chronograph that works with everything from T‑shirt to tailoring.
At‑a‑glance
- Case: 40 mm Oystersteel; 100 m WR; ceramic bezel (Cerachrom)
• Movement: calibre **4131**, ~72 h, −2/+2 sec/day after casing
• Lume: **Chromalight**
• Use case: daily‑wear chronograph; sport‑elegant all‑rounder
Sources
Rolex — Daytona 126500 official page/specs: https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/m126500ln-0001
Rolex — Daytona features (calibre 4131, Chronergy, Paraflex): https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/features
Time+Tide — review of 126500 (movement updates/finishing): https://timeandtidewatches.com/rolex-daytona-126500-watch-review/
