Why the Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” Is My Dream Watch

The Rolex Daytona “John Mayer” is my pick for the best watch in Rolex’s collection. Why? The combination of a green sunburst-finished dial and an 18k yellow gold bracelet creates a distinctive look that stands out from other luxury watches. The green dial provides a striking contrast against the yellow gold bracelet, allowing both colors to complement one another without overpowering the design. Depending on the lighting, the sunburst dial can shift from a deep green to a vibrant emerald hue, giving the watch a dynamic appearance that never gets old. Pictures also don't do this watch justice. As impressive as it looks in photos, the green dial comes alive in person and has a richness that is difficult to capture through a camera lens.

To me, the yellow gold and green dial combination is the definition of luxury. While the watch is undeniably bold, it never feels over the top. Instead, the colors work together to create a look that is both elegant and attention-grabbing.

The “John Mayer” wasn’t always as popular as it is now. In fact, it didn't even have the nickname that would later make it famous among collectors. That all changed on March 27th, 2019. During his appearance on episode 2 of Hodinkee’s “Talking Watches” interview, Mayer mentioned the Rolex Daytona with a green dial as an underrated “sleeper hit.” Immediately, prices on the secondary market skyrocketed. Almost overnight, this timepiece went from being one watch among many in Rolex's lineup to becoming one of the most desirable references in the luxury watch world. 

Collectors generally recognize two distinct "John Mayer" Daytonas. The first is the original Reference 116508, the yellow gold Daytona with a green dial that was discontinued in March 2023. The second is its successor, Reference 126508, the current-production yellow gold Daytona with a green dial that enthusiasts have nicknamed the "John Mayer 2.0." What’s the difference between these two reference numbers? First, let’s talk about what they share in common. Both watches feature a 40mm yellow gold case paired with a matching yellow gold bracelet and a green dial. The differences between these two references come down to their sub-dial design, case profile, and movement.

• Sub-dial design: The 116508 features a sunburst green dial with matching green sub-dials and subtle red accents around the inner rings of each sub-dial, while the 126508 features a brighter lacquered green dial with contrasting yellow-gold sub-dials. 

• Case Profile: The 126508 features a slightly slimmer profile than the 116508, measuring approximately 11.9mm versus 12.2mm in thickness. It also incorporates more refined, tapered lugs and a larger polished metal ring around the bezel.

• Movement: The 116508 is powered by Rolex's Caliber 4130, while the 126508 features the newer Caliber 4131, a modernized evolution of its predecessor.

I personally like the original “John Mayer” Daytona 116508 more than the “John Mayer 2.0” because I’m not a huge fan of the contrasting gold sub-dials on the 126508. Still, both are great watches, and you can’t go wrong with either one. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which model or dial colorway is better. It is completely up to the person wearing the watch, but if you asked me what my dream watch is, it would be the Daytona “John Mayer” 116508.

Interested in a Rolex Daytona "John Mayer" or "John Mayer 2.0"? Browse our available inventory below:

Rolex - Unworn Yellow Gold Daytona Green Dial "John Mayer" 126508