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Lot Essay
The first reference of the Daytona collection was indeed born in 1964 and the present watch is an incredible example. Such an early model is a rare find although even rarer is what is known as the 'floating Daytona'. Only printed on a handful of examples, it is called as such because the designation of 'Daytona,' is placed in an honorable position; further towards the center of the dial, set apart from the other script, seemingly floating on the dial. Since this particular example inherits the legendary name, allowing the title to shine on its own amongst the other small but prominent features allows this watch to enter another realm of collecting.
Throughout 1964, the bezel still sports the 300 tachymeter scale, however the graduation has become simpler, the 275 mark has disappeared and it has a mirror-polish as opposed to the radial satin-finish that can be found on earlier versions. The white version of the dial now displays a 'soleil' finish in the background, instead of the previous argenté matt, while the black version remains unchanged. The overall design starts to move away from its origins. For example, the indexes are now applied by means of a bearing and are positioned slightly closer to the rim. Another novelty is the two "T"s before and after the "SWISS" designation, although the second Swiss remains just above visible above the inner rim of the case. They identify which luminescent substance has been used, tritium, and will replace the underline sign.
This is a rare opportunity for Rolex collectors to acquire a increasingly coveted 'floating Daytona'.
Throughout 1964, the bezel still sports the 300 tachymeter scale, however the graduation has become simpler, the 275 mark has disappeared and it has a mirror-polish as opposed to the radial satin-finish that can be found on earlier versions. The white version of the dial now displays a 'soleil' finish in the background, instead of the previous argenté matt, while the black version remains unchanged. The overall design starts to move away from its origins. For example, the indexes are now applied by means of a bearing and are positioned slightly closer to the rim. Another novelty is the two "T"s before and after the "SWISS" designation, although the second Swiss remains just above visible above the inner rim of the case. They identify which luminescent substance has been used, tritium, and will replace the underline sign.
This is a rare opportunity for Rolex collectors to acquire a increasingly coveted 'floating Daytona'.