The Rolex Daytona Update We're Hoping to See at Watches and Wonders 2025

We’re now less than ten days away from Watches and Wonders 2025, and anticipation is building fast over what Rolex has up its sleeve. Despite recent leaks (some more credible than others), I’m holding out hope for something genuinely exciting from Rolex this year. If you're guessing another Coke bezel GMT-Master II, think again. My bet? A standout Daytona finally joining the Rolex catalogue.

In 2023, Rolex introduced the two-tone Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 126503) in Oystersteel and yellow gold, featuring updated case dimensions, bezel design, and a new movement. However, I believe there's one tweak Rolex could make to transform this model into an instant classic: replacing the all-gold bezel with a ceramic bezel featuring a gold insert.

It's not a huge change—but it’s impactful. Take a look at our rendering below:

Honestly, this mock-up looks fantastic. Recently, I had conversations with a few authorised Rolex dealers in the UK. The consensus was clear: the two-tone Daytona hasn’t captured attention in the same way as, say, the blue bezel and dial Submariner. Dealers suggested that this Daytona variant is somewhat overlooked, possibly because it doesn't resonate quite as strongly as the stainless steel model. However, with this simple bezel update, I believe interest in this classic two-tone watch would surge.

Image Source: Rolex Forums

Crucially, this bezel already exists. Rolex currently uses it on the fully gold version paired with an Oysterflex bracelet. While I’m no Rolex engineer, swapping the bezel from solid gold to a gold-ceramic mix seems straightforward enough. It’s not an overhaul; it’s just an adjustment that Rolex could easily handle in 2025.

Image Source: Luxury Bazaar

The good news? Rolex operates independently of outside pressures, closely monitoring market trends. If a model like this two-tone Daytona isn’t meeting expectations, history shows Rolex will step in with targeted improvements—as they’ve done previously with models like the Datejust and Day-Date. Here’s hoping they give the Daytona this subtle yet effective facelift in Geneva this year. See you there soon!

(Below is another appealing variation, this time featuring the much-loved red-accented dial.)