Something captivated me. In fact, it was Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário, who was present at the World Cup.
On his wrist glistened a yellow gold Rolex Daytona 126518LN with a turquoise dial, introduced last year at Watches and Wonders. My first thought was: "Why are you wearing 'my' watch?" It was quite an absurd thought since I don't own such a watch. But from the first glance and subsequent fitting, they enchanted me. The combination of yellow gold, a turquoise lacquered dial, and a black Oysterflex bracelet might seem bold. In reality, it's a stylish, fresh, and captivating solution - like Simply Red's 1991 hit "Something Got Me Started" with the line "I’d give it all up for you." These words keep running through my head as I write about "my" Daytona.
The Song's History and Its Connection to the Watch
Undoubtedly, you've heard Simply Red's "Something Got Me Started": if not at its release in September 1991, then later in clubs with remixes by Steve "Silk" Hurley or Paul Oakenfold. The song was re-recorded for the album Simplified in 2005 and re-released in January 2006. I'm not a big fan of Simply Red, but I recognize a catchy melody, and "Something Got Me Started" is just that.
The song seems to have taken a place in my subconscious because ever since I saw the yellow gold Rolex Daytona 126518LN with a turquoise dial on Ronaldo's wrist, I constantly hear Mick Hucknall's voice: "I’d give it all up for you." It's, of course, about the watch, not the footballer. But why am I willing to give it all up for this model, and what does "all" mean?
What is the Daytona 126518LN?
First, let's get acquainted with the model. This specific Cosmograph Daytona has an 18-karat yellow gold case measuring 40 × 46 × 11.9 mm with a 20 mm lug width. The watch is equipped with an Oysterflex bracelet and a black ceramic bezel with numerals and markers that harmonize with the gold case. The bright turquoise lacquered dial stands out with three contrasting black sub-dials, and the black text at the top of the dial complements the shade of blue. The dial features applied markers made of 18-karat yellow gold and hands of the same color with white Super-LumiNova coating for excellent readability in the dark. All sub-dials have gold hands and details. A small red accent - the Daytona inscription above the sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position.
Why is this Daytona "my" watch?
I understand that the Daytona is something special. One could even say that the Rolex Daytona has ceased to be just a watch. They have become a status symbol, a stable currency, or even a commodity rather than just a chronograph. But if you look only at the technical side, the Daytona is a modern mechanical chronograph with a unique design. Inside is the proprietary Caliber 4131, certified as a chronometer, debuting in 2023, with an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day. The movement with 44 jewels operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, hidden under a solid gold case back and provides a power reserve of 72 hours. The construction uses a Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, and optimized ball bearings.
The technology doesn't stop at the movement. The Oysterflex bracelet is a story in itself. At first, I thought Rolex slightly exaggerated by calling the black rubber Oysterflex a bracelet instead of a strap. It looks like a strap. But in reality, it is an elastomer molded around two metal blades made of titanium and nickel, making the bracelet flexible but not stretchable. This justifies the term "bracelet." It is also very comfortable: on the inside, there are integrated cushions creating a small gap between the skin and the bracelet, improving ventilation and comfort for prolonged wear. This is far from a regular rubber strap.
Besides comfort, the black Oysterflex harmonizes with the sub-dials and ceramic bezel of the 126518LN model and powerfully contrasts with the bright dial, yellow gold case, and matching gold clasp. The clasp with the Glidelock system allows precise adjustment of the bracelet length without tools - a true technical masterpiece.
What am I willing to give up for the Daytona 126518LN?
At last year's Watches and Wonders exhibition, I tried on the Daytona 126518LN and immediately fell in love. But the press conference lasted only an hour, and I had to leave the watch behind.
As Mick Hucknall sings:
Something got me started
You know that I will love you
Lately, since we parted
I truly know that I need youI’d give it all up for you (yes, I would)
I’d give it all up for you (yes, I would)
I’d give it all up for you (yes, I would)
I’d give it all up for you (yes, I would)
These words "yes, I would" express deep regret and unconditional devotion. Parting with a loved one forces one to acknowledge mistakes and readiness for sacrifices to win back the partner. Now I'll tell you what exactly I'm willing to give up for the turquoise-gold Daytona, which I left in that warm room in Geneva. My entire watch wardrobe?
If I sold all my watches, I might gather the sum for the desired Daytona. If I did it right after the release, collecting the money would have been easier. At its debut in April 2025, the recommended price was €37,700. A year later, the price rose to €41,800. And that's assuming the local dealer allows you to buy the watch. If not - there's the option of buying through Chrono24, but prices there start at about double the retail cost.
Is the sacrifice worth it?
A quick calculation shows that if by miracle I were allocated a Daytona 126518LN, I could buy it. But then it would be the only watch in my collection, except for the MoonSwatch that I would keep. I would have to part with the Omega Speedmaster Replica 3594.50, Grand Seiko Tough Quartz SBGX341, recently acquired Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time, and even my beloved, unusual Chronoswiss Timemaster. The thought gave me goosebumps, and I quickly dismissed the idea.
Selling other things is not an option either. Firstly, the money wouldn't be enough, and secondly, selling my bikes for a watch is sacrilege. It would not only undermine my physical health but also my psychological state. Who said I could sell a kidney? Except for Iran, the sale of human organs for profit is prohibited worldwide. And I am not going to trade kidneys on the black market - the answer is unequivocal: no.
One could eat less, save on vacations and clothes, but that's unrealistic. Savings are an option, but a slow one. By the time I accumulate the necessary amount, Rolex prices will jump again. Moreover, the model might be discontinued, making it even harder to buy. What to do?
Relish the Desire
It turns out I'm not ready to give up everything for the Daytona. This is a sensible choice. But what remains? Desire. It is a fundamental driving force of humanity. Desire breeds creativity, stimulates personal growth, gives purpose, and defines us. However, desire is not about possession. Acquiring a watch is an attempt to hold onto a feeling that cannot be contained in steel, titanium, or gold. A watch is merely a vessel. We strive for the emotion it evokes: a sense of achievement, connection to history, the promise of adventure, or the quiet satisfaction of wearing something that resonates with us.
Perhaps that's why the search rarely ends with a purchase - because the sought-after feeling exists outside the watch itself. Realizing this, collecting becomes less about ownership and more about experience. The absence of the need to own gives way to the joy of experiencing. A sense of freedom, calm, and serenity emerges. And now I can say: let others, like Ronaldo, enjoy "my" Daytona. I'm sure none of the current owners feels and appreciates these deep feelings as I do.