- Rolex has introduced a new off-catalogue model to the Cosmograph Daytona lineup, this time finished in Rolesium, combining Oystersteel and platinum components.
- The new, ultra-exclusive model features a four-piece enamel dial finished in white, a subtle nod to the “porcelain” dial Daytona, reference 16520.
- In another reference to vintage Daytonas, the new model features a new anthracite Cerachrom bezel, with horizontally aligned tachymeter engravings.
In the era of the modern Daytona, we’ve known Rolex to play with the model now and again, introducing platinum, rainbow gem-set, and striking precious-metal specials; however, the core of the collection has always remained the same. There’s always only ever been two stainless steel models: the panda white dial model and the black dial version. Until now, that is. Well, sort of. At Watches and Wonders 2026, and to help celebrate 100 years of the Oyster case, AAA fake Rolex watches unveiled a new, ultra-exclusive Daytona ref. 126502, destined for life off-catalogue, and it’s at least partially finished in stainless steel.
Rolex call this configuration Rolesium, and before you think it’s an all-new proprietary alloy, it’s actually been with us for some time, but it seems like everyone has forgotten. Rolesium is a name first registered by Hans Wilsdorf in 1932 and currently listed on the 40mm Yacht-Master, the one finished in Oystersteel with a platinum bezel. And that’s precisely what we have with the new top copy Rolex Daytona Rolesium watches: a 40mm stainless steel case, paired with a platinum bezel and a platinum sapphire exhibition case back. Yes, that’s right, an exhibition case back on a stainless steel Daytona, you did read that right. Realistically, this is essentially a steel watch with some precious-metal detailing, but it’s nevertheless a significant departure from the norm for Rolex and the Daytona line.
The bezel is of particular interest for another reason. Firstly, the construction is the same as the latest reference 126500: fixed, with a black ceramic (Cerachrom) insert that sits just inside a thin metal ring that frames the cheap replica watches. This design debuted in 2023, forgoing the 116500’s monobloc ceramic bezel for one more reminiscent of the old, aluminium bezel models such as the 6263 from the 70s. This new bezel is in platinum, and inside sits a ceramic insert finished in what Rolex calls anthracite ceramic. Almost dark grey in colour and faintly metallic, the bezel is produced in-house at Rolex’s manufacturing facility using a new process incorporating tungsten carbide, for which a patent was filed in 2024.
As with other modern Daytonas, the bezel’s tachymetric scale is moulded into the ceramic and coated with platinum via physical vapour deposition; however, you may have noticed this new model appears slightly different to the others in the range. That’s because the numerals on the scale have now been horizontally aligned and rendered in an updated typeface, all more reminiscent of the original Daytona from 1963, a detail that carried over to the bezel on every steel reference until its ceramic refresh in 2016.
We know that special Daytonas are all about the fine details, but there’s something a bit more obvious that stands out on this new 126502. The dial on this model is a striking milky white, with unusual matching white enamel chronograph subdials. In a process similar to the Grand Feu dial-finishing technique more commonly seen on haute horlogerie pieces, 1:1 Rolex clone watches has approached it using four ceramic plates coated with white enamel, which are then fitted onto a brass base after the vitrification firing phase. The result is surprisingly glossy, deep white, if there can be such a thing, which closely resembles the white “porcelain” dial on the reference 16520 Zenith Daytonas from 1988. It should be noted that Rolex hasn’t explicitly referenced this model, but the resemblance is uncanny.
I still cannot get used to saying this about the buy fake Rolex Daytona watches, but flipping the watch over reveals the Calibre 4131 chronograph movement through the sapphire exhibition caseback. Borrowed from the range-topping platinum model, the caseback features a large, solid sapphire crystal window bonded to a threaded platinum ring, further reinforcing the concept of Rolesium. The movement itself is exceptional for a high-production column-wheel chronograph, offering a 72-hour power reserve, Paraflex shock absorbers and a blue Parachrom hairspring. I must say, while I’m not fully taken with the exhibition caseback, the movement is well decorated, featuring a yellow-gold skeletonised rotor and Rolex Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges, which are usually hidden; these details normally go unappreciated.
Finally, the high quality duplicate Rolex Daytona Rolesium 126502 is finished with the excellent stainless steel 3-link Oyster bracelet, finished just the same as the other steel models, with brushed outer links and mirror-polished centre links. This is paired to one of the best folding clasps in the business, which also features a polished centre section for consistency, plus a 5 mm extension link should you need it. While the bracelet is excellent, everyone would have lost their minds if this special model arrived on a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet, which, arguably, would have been an even bigger nod to a 6263.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Rolesium” ref. 126502 pricing and availability
The best replica Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126502 watches is not a standard catalogue item and is available only as a special order. Price: US$57,800
