Julie Jølsen - November 2023

The 'John Mayer': A closer look at the Rolex Daytona 116508

The 'John Mayer'  Daytona - Photo credit: Rolex

Luxury watches often become iconic not only for their design and precision but also for the personalities associated with them. The Rolex Daytona 116508 in 18k gold with the green dial, affectionately nicknamed the "John Mayer" in reference to the renowned musician and watch enthusiast, has carved its own niche in the world of horology. As a result, this stunning timepiece quickly became a hyped and sought-after watch. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating details, the current market, and intriguing facts surrounding this distinctive timepiece.

The John Mayer Connection

John Mayer, known for his musical talents, has a well-documented passion for watches, particularly Rolex timepieces. The Rolex Daytona 116508-0013 in specific became synonymous with Mayer when he was spotted wearing it on numerous occasions, including high-profile events and concerts. His endorsement of the watch catapulted its popularity and earned it the affectionate nickname, the "John Mayer Rolex."

Design and Features

Crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508-0013 exemplifies the brand's commitment to luxury and precision. The striking green dial, coupled with contrasting sub-dials and gold hour markers, creates a visually captivating aesthetic. The iconic tachymeter bezel, a staple of the Daytona collection, adds a sporty touch while maintaining a sense of timeless sophistication. 

At the heart of this timepiece beats the Rolex Caliber 4130, a self-winding mechanical movement celebrated for its accuracy and reliability. The chronograph functions, controlled by the signature pushers on the side of the case, provide users with the ability to measure elapsed time with unparalleled precision.

The Investment Perspective

The Rolex Daytona 116508-0013, having reached the end of its production, has become a sought-after item for those looking to make a horological investment. Historically, discontinued Rolex models have experienced an increase in value over time, making them not just timekeeping instruments but also valuable assets in a collector's portfolio. As the scarcity of this particular Daytona model becomes more apparent, its investment potential is likely to be a topic of discussion within the watch community.

If we take a look at the price history of the previous 3 years, the "John Mayer" Daytona experienced notable price spikes in January 2021, January 2022, and March 2023, driven by speculation and subsequent confirmation of its discontinuation at "Watches and Wonders" 2023. Today this Daytona goes for an average of $75,390.

What are your thoughts on this watch, is it worth the hype?

Find your next Rolex Daytona at Investment Watches

Are you looking for a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona? Find your next Daytona here in our current inventory or pre-order one here.