Watch On My Mind — Rolex Daytona Sodalite Diamond Set Ref. 16519
About the Watch
Rolex introduced the ‘toned down’ Daytona on a leather strap with deployant in 1992 with the ref. 16518, it wasn’t until 1997 however that the White Gold case was made available, the ref. 16519. It was this reference that Rolex really ran wild with their explorations and creation of exotic variants for their classic chronograph. The ‘Sodalite’ ref. 16519 we are looking at today was produced for 3 years from 1997 - the very early 2001 and can be found in ‘U’ and ‘A’ Series. The ref. 16519 is powered by the Calibre 4030 based on the Zenith El Primero Calibre 400.
So what is a ‘Sodalite Dial’? Well, Sodalite is a blue mineral that is used in jewelry as an ornamental gemstone and has been used here to decorate the dial. This model is also adorned with 8 applied round brilliant cut diamonds at the hour markers.
Throughout the years Rolex have made a number of these ‘Special Daytonas’ with stone dials however they were exclusively made available in white gold. A small number of Daytona stone dials in non-white gold cases have come to market, usually at auction, and have been coined as special order or gifts for friends of the company.
Credit: LunarOyster
Credit: onlyvintage.com
Credit: onlyvintage.com
Credit: LunarOyster
Why I love It
Credit: LunarOyster
This watch is for you, it’s a passion thing, not bling.
The white gold stone dial diamond set 16519 is the complete opposite, for most, of what comes to mind when you mention the legendary word, ‘Daytona’, and I love that. Think of this as sports lux, ski boots on but Negroni in hand if you will.
The dial of this watch is what sets it apart from the tide of luxury sports watches we see day in day out today. Being a natural product each dial is completely unique, with the stone being cut into a super-thin disc that is then applied to the brass dial base. Being a unique dial is great but better yet you’ll most likely never bump into someone with this watch period, outside of certain collecting and dealing circles of course.
Finally with the ref. 16519 being powered by the Calibre 4030 it benefits from the symmetrical aesthetics of the sub-dials that the watch world has grown to love ever so deeply. Throw in 8 diamonds markers, adding a subtle extra layer of interest, and I have to be honest I’m completely sold.
As you could imagine, do not expect any love from your non watch friends/colleagues. This watch is for you, it’s a passion thing, not bling.
Credit: cantelliorologi.it
Credit: Marco Cesari
Sodalite Sibling
Blue not your color? Luckily for you Rolex also introduced the ref. 16519 ‘Grossular’ alongside the ‘Sodalite’. Grossular stone is available in a number of color variants however Rolex only used the red. Again these dials were very limited in production making them rather collectable today. Besides the two stone dials mentioned here there were a number of other stone dials introduced for the Daytona however only appearing on later models post 2000, when the Daytona movement came in-house.
Credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches
Credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches
