After many years of popularity, some of the most beloved models of the replica Rolex Daytona Chronograph have been replaced with upgraded versions that feature only subtle aesthetic changes.
Today, we’ll be reviewing the replica Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference number 116500LN Black, which replaced model #116520 Black, the go-to stainless steel and black dial Daytona for many years. The most noticeable change between the two models is the addition of the black ceramic “Cerachrom” bezel. This new and improved fixed bezel is highly scratch-resistant, excellently resists corrosion, and is impervious to the color-fading effects of UV rays. Compared to the polished stainless steel bezel of its predecessor, the new black bezel makes the dial appear larger.
Several aspects of the bezel design have also changed. The typeface used on the engraved tachymeter scale is now bolder and more legible, filled with a platinum PVD fill. Another slight difference is the use of triangles instead of dots beneath the numerals on the tachymeter. The numerals on the tachymeter now rotate around the bezel, rather than being horizontally displayed as on the previous model. This thoughtful redesign of the bezel has been well-received by fans of the Super Clone Rolex Daytona.
The 40mm x 12.4mm thick oyster case is constructed of Rolex’s corrosion-resistant superalloy known as 904L steel, which is known to maintain its polish better than standard stainless steel. While 904L steel is not the toughest steel alloy, it has more luster and is the perfect material for a Rolex. Other manufacturers are often not equipped to use this more expensive type of steel, but since Rolex manufactures all its components in-house, they have an advantage.
The oyster case, as the world’s first waterproof case, has almost become synonymous with the name Rolex. The patented “oyster” case has been one of Rolex’s notable signatures since its inception in 1926. This system tightens and locks the monobloc middle case via a screw-down bezel, a screw-down case back, and a screw-down crown. Using this “Triplock” locking system, the Daytona’s case is secured against water like a submarine hatch, with a minimum water-resistance rating of 100m/300ft.
While the “oyster” case is used on practically all non-chronograph Rolex sports models, the Daytona has additional screw-down sleeves protecting the pushers for the stopwatch function.
The dial has not changed since the last model, and for good reason; the design of the Cosmograph Daytona chronograph is possibly the most recognizable out there. The applied polished steel hour markers with their luminous fill and the proportions remain the same. The easy-to-read Chromalight display uses a long-lasting luminescent material that glows in the dark with a bright blue hue. Just like any replica Rolex Daytona chronograph, the word “DAYTONA” is printed in red and wraps around the top of the small running seconds sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position.
Aesthetically, everything remains the same from the previous model regarding the silver-rimmed sub-registers on the dial. The sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position is the small running seconds sub-dial. The sub-registers on the right and left of this sub-dial, at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, are used for the chronograph.
The chronograph feature adds an extra function to the watch, serving as a stopwatch that allows drivers to time their laps with up to an eighth of a second accuracy. The mechanical chronograph complication in the Cosmograph Daytona is designed with fewer parts than standard chronographs, making it a more dependable stopwatch. As a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch mechanism, it offers a smoother start/stop and reset action than CAM actuated mechanisms.
The chronograph’s large central seconds hand sweeps across the dial smoothly, displaying the perpetual motion for which a Rolex is famous. The sub-dial at the 3 o’clock position is a 30-minute counter, while the one at the 9 o’clock position is a 12-hour counter. These three hands are operated via the chronograph pushers, the buttons located above and below the winding crown on the right side of the case.
The replica Rolex Daytona watches are powered by their in-house caliber 4130 self-winding movements, featuring their magnetic-resistant blue ‘Parachrom’ hairspring and stop-seconds for precise time setting.
The 4130 caliber is an automatic chronograph movement that keeps itself wound by using your kinetic energy to tighten the mainspring with a rotor. It stays wound provided you move your hands enough throughout the day. If you don’t move much, the winding crown can be used to manually tighten the spring. On a full wind, the power reserve should allow the watch to run for approximately 72 hours, or 66 hours if you are using the chronograph function.
The Caliber 4130 is also a COSC certified movement, meaning it has a prestigious Chronometer designation testifying to its reliability and high precision with a maximum deviation of -4/+6 seconds per day.
Once the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute issues the caliber a COSC certificate, it receives a chronometer designation and is sent back to Rolex for further testing.
Rolex then installs the COSC certified chronometer movement into the watch case and conducts additional testing until the caliber receives an in-house designation called the Superlative Chronometer. This is issued by Rolex once the caliber achieves an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, which is at least twice as accurate as a COSC chronometer!
