Rolex has brought back one of its most visually striking designs with the reintroduction of the meteorite dial to the Daytona collection. Among the new releases showcased at Watches and Wonders, the return of this unique dial design has captured particular attention—especially in its white gold and Everose (rose gold) versions.
Although these models weren’t available during initial press previews at the event, Rolex later provided a closer look at both precious metal versions. Notably, yellow gold fans will have to wait, as no version in that metal was included this time around.
While the popular “John Mayer 2.0” Daytona received much of the spotlight, some collectors believe the meteorite dial edition stands out as the most refined release of the year. Featuring a bold, naturally patterned dial made from Gibeon meteorite, the new Daytona takes the brand’s iconic chronograph into rarer territory—literally.
The Gibeon meteorite, which fell in Namibia thousands of years ago, is known for its signature Widmanstätten patterns. These intricate, geometric lines form as molten iron and nickel slowly cool in space. The material is both visually distinctive and durable, allowing it to be cut thinly and etched to highlight its unique structure. Rolex has used this technique to elevate the watch’s “panda” aesthetic with a cosmic flair.
The latest version of the Daytona ref. 126519LN is built with a 40mm 18k white gold case and fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet. Unlike earlier meteorite models from 2021, which came on full metal bracelets, this configuration leans more contemporary and athletic. The black Cerachrom bezel features platinum-coated numerals, applied using Particle Vapor Deposition. This bezel also serves a structural purpose by securing the sapphire crystal in place for water resistance.
Design upgrades continue on the dial. The subdials are full-circle rather than ringed—an approach preferred by many vintage enthusiasts. The hour markers are now filled with Rolex’s Chromalight lume and outlined in black, giving the watch a sportier look than past versions. Indices have been slightly widened, subtly updating the overall profile without altering the DNA of the Daytona.
Inside, the watch is powered by Rolex’s latest 4131 automatic movement, offering improvements in efficiency, shock resistance, and power reserve over the previous generation.
While Rolex hasn’t confirmed exact production numbers, the craftsmanship and material rarity suggest that these meteorite dial Daytonas will remain highly sought after. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this release marks a meaningful blend of heritage, technical mastery, and natural wonder.
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