Cosmograph Daytona · Nickname guide
The gem-set Daytona — a bezel of graduated rainbow sapphires.
Reference
116595RBOW
Years
2018–present
Also called
Rainbow Daytona
Bezel / dial
Gem-set sapphire bezel
Below: what makes the Rainbow (116595RBOW) distinctive, what to verify before buying, and how it fits the Naples collector scene.
The Rainbow takes the Cosmograph Daytona and rings its bezel with sapphires colour-matched into a spectrum, supported by sapphire hour markers in the same graduated order. Sourcing and grading stones into a perfect gradient is extraordinarily difficult, which is part of the watch's mystique.
First seen on white gold (116599 RBOW, 2012), it returned in Everose gold as the 116595RBOW in 2018.
What to verify
In Naples
The Rainbow is a statement piece for a particular kind of Naples collector, and authenticity of the factory gem-setting is paramount — aftermarket diamond and sapphire jobs are common on Daytonas. Only a documented, Rolex-set example is the real Rainbow.
We are an independent reference, not a dealer: we cannot sell you a Rainbow or appraise one. What we can do is help you read the reference and know what separates a correct example from a cobbled-together one.
Rainbow FAQ
A Daytona with a bezel set in graduated rainbow-coloured sapphires and matching colour-graded hour markers. The current version is the Everose 116595RBOW.
No. Many “rainbow” Daytonas are aftermarket gem jobs on standard watches. A genuine Rainbow is factory gem-set by Rolex, with documentation; the two are not comparable in value.
The graduated sapphire bezel requires sourcing and colour-matching many precisely cut stones, and it is offered only in precious metal. It sits among Rolex's most expensive catalogue watches.
Naples has an active Rolex market through retail, boutiques, and private sales — but Naples Rolex is an independent reference, not a dealer. We don't sell or broker watches. Use this guide to verify a Rainbow before you buy, wherever you find it.