At this year’s Watches and Wonders, Rolex stole the spotlight with the launch of the Land-Dweller and its innovative new caliber. Yet, despite this groundbreaking debut, the enduring allure of the Rolex Daytona proved just as powerful. A Hodinkee story covering eight refreshed or reintroduced Daytonas attracted exceptional attention—second only to the Land-Dweller feature—underscoring just how hot the Daytona remains.
The Return of the “John Mayer” Daytona
Among the refreshed Daytonas, the standout was the reintroduction of the yellow gold Daytona with a green dial and Oysterflex bracelet, affectionately dubbed the “John Mayer 2.0” by enthusiasts. The nickname harks back to the original ref. 116508, launched in 2016, which gained cult status after musician and watch collector John Mayer highlighted its understated appeal. Discontinued in 2023, this model, alongside its white gold sibling, has now returned with significant updates.
The new ref. 126508 departs visually from its predecessor’s green dial with red accents, instead featuring yellow gold subdials that evoke the late 1970s—a nod to vintage Rolex styling that many collectors welcome. While the dial’s color shift grabs headlines, the most important upgrade is internal: the watch now houses Rolex’s latest caliber 4131 movement, boasting enhanced efficiency, improved shock resistance, and a 72-hour power reserve.
A Nod to History: Modern Meets Neo-Vintage
To appreciate the design changes, one must understand the Daytona’s evolution. The now-iconic ringed subdials date back to the ref. 16520 from 1987, which introduced the first automatic Daytona movement and a larger case size. Meanwhile, Rolex’s signature Cerachrom ceramic bezel, first seen on a Daytona in 2011, has become a hallmark on most recent models—except precious metal Daytonas on matching bracelets.
The new “John Mayer 2.0” aligns closely with the rare, sunray-brushed “Chairman” dials made by Singer for early 1990s Daytonas, which were produced in limited quantities and are highly prized today. This vintage inspiration sets the new Daytona apart from its more contemporary siblings, especially those with contrasting subdials and metal bezels that some purists find anachronistic.
Design and Performance Highlights
The updated ref. 126508 retains a familiar 40mm case and Oyster bracelet with Rolex’s Easy-link adjustment for comfort. Its green sunburst dial offers dynamic visual depth, shifting from deep tones in shadow to vivid bursts under light. The yellow gold subdials, now with matte black markers and a yellow printed ring, create a distinctly retro yet refined look.
Underneath, the caliber 4131 movement represents the latest in Rolex’s chronograph technology, replacing the previous 4130. Although Rolex opts for a solid caseback rather than a display one, the movement features advanced components like the Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers, all contributing to the watch’s reliability and precision.
Pricing and Market Demand
The original “John Mayer” retailed for approximately $38,700, with secondary market prices climbing to $65,000-$70,000. The new ref. 126508 commands a retail price of $48,400, reflecting rising gold costs and tariffs. Early reports suggest strong demand, with retailers receiving more units of this model than other precious metal Daytonas, indicating its anticipated popularity.
A Personal Connection
For many, the “John Mayer 2.0” is more than just a watch—it’s a full-circle moment steeped in personal and cultural significance. Hodinkee’s writer recalls growing up near Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, and connects the green-and-gold colorway to his lifelong fandom. The idea of owning a “Packer’s Daytona” with authentic provenance strikes a powerful chord.
Conclusion
While not everyone’s vision of the perfect modern Daytona, the ref. 126508 “John Mayer 2.0” delivers a compelling blend of vintage inspiration, contemporary movement technology, and bold aesthetics. It reaffirms the Daytona’s place as a timeless icon—always evolving yet never losing its magnetic appeal. As John Mayer once asked, “How does nobody notice this?” The answer now seems clear: nobody will miss it this time.
