When Rolex releases a new Daytona it’s bound to make a few people excited. But an 18ct white gold version, with a meteorite dial? That’s some next level stuff bruv.

One of a trio of new Daytonas released earlier this year, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Timepiece in 18ct white gold, meteorite and black dial (to give it its full, proper name) is the clear standout of an already exceptional collection.

In an age where watches are less about telling the time and more about the appreciation of craftsmanship, there’s no doubt that the Daytona remains a peak statement of classic watchmaking. And with the latest addition, Rolex has somehow balanced two ends of the men’s watch spectrum – a watch that has all the statement details of someone after a flash piece of wrist candy yet designed so that it still looks subtle enough to never look over the top. Well done.

While the core Daytona details remain the same – the 40ml case, black Cerachrom bezel, Oysterflex bracelet – the meteorite adds that extra something to an already special timepiece. The graphic markings are inspired by the journey of a meteorite through space – a neat metaphor to the Daytona’s own racing history. Black chronograph counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock punctuate the face while below the surface the same, precision perfect 4130 movement keeps the engine running like, well, clockwork.

A smart, monochromatic finish adds a nice space-age touch to the watch, transforming a famously opulent piece into something more streamlined. It’s not quite minimal – that’s not the Rolex DNA – but it’s subtly stunning. In fact, you might even call it “out of this world”. Less Paul Newman, more Elon Musk if you care to compare the two.

SHOP NOW:

ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA TIMEPIECE IN 18CT WHITE GOLD WITH A METEORITE & BLACK DIAL, $48,050, SHOP NOW

THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE SEVENTH EDITION OF ICON PRINT MAGAZINE. ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.