ROLEX DAYTONA YELLOW GOLD TURQUOISE DIAMOND DIAL & BEZEL OYSTERFLEX STRAP (OFF CATALOUGE)

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126538TBR with the turquoise stone dial is a rare, “off-catalog” masterpiece. While standard models appear in the official Rolex brochure, this specific gem-set version is typically reserved for VIP collectors and special requests.

The Technical & Aesthetic Masterpiece: A Detailed Breakdown

1. The Dial: Natural Turquoise Stone

The soul of this watch is the Turquoise dial. Unlike standard dials made of brass and lacquer, this is sliced from a genuine mineral stone.

• Uniqueness: Because it is a natural material, the veining and “matrix” (the dark patterns) of the turquoise vary. No two 126538TBR watches are identical.

• The Contrast: The deep “Tiffany-style” blue-green provides a shocking contrast against the black snail-finished counters (the three sub-dials). This layout maintains the racing DNA of the Daytona while giving it a high-fashion look.

• Gem-Set Markers: Instead of lume-filled indices, this model features 8 baguette-cut diamonds as hour markers, set in 18k yellow gold settings to prevent tarnishing.

2. The Case and Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold & Diamonds

Rolex uses its own foundry to create its 18k Yellow Gold, ensuring a luster that doesn’t fade over time.

• The Diamond Bezel: The iconic tachymeter scale (used for measuring speed) is replaced by 36 trapeze-cut diamonds. These are hand-selected for perfect clarity and color matching.

• The Lugs: To increase the “wrist presence,” the lugs (the “shoulders” of the watch) are also encrusted with brilliant-cut diamonds. This creates a shimmering effect that moves from the center of the watch outward to the strap.

3. The Movement: Caliber 4131

Introduced for the 60th anniversary of the Daytona, the Caliber 4131 is the heart of the machine.

• Efficiency: It uses the Chronergy escapement, which is highly resistant to magnetic fields and much more energy-efficient.

• Power Reserve: A full 72-hour power reserve, meaning you can leave it off over a weekend and it will still be perfectly on time Monday morning.

• Aesthetics: For the first time, Rolex decorated the movement with Rolex Côtes de Genève (striped patterns) and a cut-out gold oscillating weight.

4. The Strap: Oysterflex Technology

Despite its luxurious appearance, the watch is fitted with the Oysterflex bracelet.

• The Secret: While it looks like black rubber, it is actually a super-elastic metal blade (titanium-nickel alloy) overmolded with high-performance black elastomer.

• Comfort: It features “longitudinal cushions” on the inside that allow the skin to breathe, making it the most comfortable way to wear a heavy gold watch.