In 2023, Rolex went through a comprehensive revamp to mark the 60th anniversary of the Daytona series. Alongside introducing fresh models and movements, there were subtle tweaks in design, with the platinum Ice Blue Dial 126506 stealing the spotlight. The Ice Blue Daytona sticks to the combination of a brown ceramic bezel and an ice blue dial, but Rolex has given the dial layout a facelift, refining aspects like the delicacy of the markings on the small sub-dials, slimming down the pentagonal hour markers, and tweaking the "SWISS MADE" inscription at 6 o'clock. With the evolution of the Daytona series, a new movement made its debut, and the revamped Daytona now features a crown emblem in the midst of the "SWISS MADE" inscription.
The new duplicate Rolex Daytona Ice Blue 126506 maintains a 40mm case diameter, and signature features such as the bezel with a tachymeter scale, screw-down chronograph pushers, and the crown guard remain unchanged. However, reports suggest that the brand has fine-tuned the lines of the crown guard to impart a sleeker look. A significant alteration in the case is the introduction of a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, with Rolex opting for an insert method to meld Cerachrom with the metal bezel. Upon close scrutiny, the new Daytona bezel's edge exhibits a metallic sheen, as if the ceramic bezel is bordered by metal, elevating its resilience against side impacts. Another nuanced change in the visual aspect of the new Daytona is the reduction in case thickness. Compared to the previous iteration, the new Daytona's case thickness has been trimmed by 0.5mm to 11.9mm, evidently aimed at enhancing wear comfort.
Most of the new Daytonas still flaunt a solid case back, except for the Ice Blue Dial 126506, which boldly embraces a transparent case back design, laying bare the internals of the new movement. Rolex has traditionally adhered to solid case backs, prioritizing practicality and precision over external adornments. The introduction of a transparent case back in the 126506 has sparked excitement among some enthusiasts, while others find themselves less enamored with the departure from tradition.
After a hiatus spanning over two decades, Rolex finally bid adieu to the 4130 movement, ushering in the 4131 movement for the new Rolex Daytona replica in 2023. The two movements share strikingly similar model numbers, hinting at a continuity in the brand's approach. The new movement features the energy-efficient Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers, alongside enhanced ball bearings in the automatic rotor to augment winding efficiency. The movement's finishing and decoration deviate from Rolex's previously straightforward style, incorporating changes like a revamped skeletonized automatic rotor and the addition of Geneva wave patterns on the base plate. These refinements enhance the movement's visibility, adding significance to the Ice Blue Dial's transparent case back.
