*Unpolished* 2023 Rolex Daytona 18K WG (Ref. 116509) Meteorite Dial W/ Full Set

First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Daytona has remained one of the brand’s most coveted models. Designed with professional racecar drivers in mind, its precision chronograph and tachymeter bezel enabled accurate measurement of speeds up to 400 kilometers—or miles—per hour. The model’s name and purpose were born from Rolex’s role as the official timekeeper of the Daytona racetrack, cementing a legacy intertwined with motorsport excellence.

This modern interpretation elevates the classic Daytona design with a dial crafted from genuine meteorite, stone that originated from outer space, set within a solid 18K white gold case. Diverging from the familiar “panda” and “reverse panda” configurations, the meteorite dial offers a distinct and mesmerizing aesthetic. Rolex is believed to have acquired its supply of Gibeon meteorite prior to the material’s protection status, slicing it into thin sections and applying an acid treatment to reveal the natural Widmanstätten pattern before final polishing. Typically reserved for precious metal models, these meteorite dials are produced in far smaller quantities than their standard counterparts, making each example a remarkable and rare expression of Rolex craftsmanship.