Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518LN-0075 “Meteorite Dial”

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116518LN-0075 “Meteorite Dial”. 18ct yellow gold 40mm diameter case with screw-down crown and screw-down chronograph pushers, water resistant up to 100 metres. Self-winding chronograph calibre 4130 movement with approximately 72-hour power reserve. Fixed black Cerachrom bezel with engraved tachymetric scale in gold. Meteorite dial with chromalight luminescent hour markers and yellow-gold hands. Central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds hands, with 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Sapphire crystal glass. Fitted on a black Oysterflex bracelet with 18ct yellow gold Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension. Fully factory sealed and unworn. Box and papers dated May 2023.

The Rolex Daytona 116518LN-0075 has quickly become one of the standout modern Daytona references, and for collectors, there are several reasons why it holds such strong appeal. First and foremost is the meteorite dial. Rolex’s use of genuine iron meteorite gives each watch a naturally occurring Widmanstätten pattern, meaning no two dials are ever exactly alike. That inherent uniqueness places the watch in a different category to standard production models; even within the same reference, every example carries its own visual fingerprint.

Pairing this rare dial with a full 18ct yellow gold case only amplifies the significance. While steel Daytonas tend to grab mainstream attention, many collectors consider the precious-metal models to be the true connoisseur’s choice—lower production numbers, richer materials, and configurations that feel more intentional. The contrast between the warm gold case and the technical, silvery meteorite texture is one of the most admired combinations in the modern lineup.

Beyond the design itself, the 116518LN-0075 has developed a strong reputation for being one of the most desirable modern Daytona configurations, with demand significantly outstripping availability. Rolex’s strict allocation of meteorite-dial models means production numbers remain low, and the reference has already gained a reputation for being difficult to source even on the secondary market. As a result, collectors view it as one of the most collectible precious-metal Daytonas of recent years.

This desirability increases even further when the watch is presented unworn and in full factory seals. Factory-sealed examples have become increasingly scarce following Rolex’s move away from sealed packaging, and they represent the highest possible condition grade for any modern Rolex. For many collectors, a sealed, unworn meteorite Daytona is the ideal scenario: maximum originality, maximum preservation, and maximum long-term collectability. Watches in this state often command a meaningful premium, not only because they are hard to find, but because they represent a “time capsule” specimen—exactly as it left the Rolex authorised dealer.