Rolex Cosmograph Daytona vs Rolex GMT-Master II
Ref. M126518LN-0014 vs Ref. M126718GRNR-0001
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and Rolex GMT-Master II both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona as a chronograph and the Rolex GMT-Master II as a gmt / travel watch. At $34,150 and $44,750 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex
GMT-Master II
At retail, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is listed at $34,150 while the Rolex GMT-Master II comes in at $44,750. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona saves you $10,600 (31% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona trades around $61,470 and the Rolex GMT-Master II around $67,125, a difference of $5,655 favoring the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. This watch trades at 80% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Rolex GMT-Master II also shows a healthy market premium of +50.0%, with upward momentum. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 8/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Cosmograph Daytona | Rolex GMT-Master II |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.2mm | 13.1mm |
| Case Material | 18ct Everose gold | 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black with tachymetric scale | Cerachrom (ceramic) in green and black |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 4131 | Rolex calibre 3285 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oysterflex (elastomer with metal blade) | Jubilee, five-piece links in 18ct yellow gold |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona offers longer power reserve at 72 hours, and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona uses 18ct Everose gold while the Rolex GMT-Master II opts for 18ct yellow gold. With 6 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona costs $1,537 versus $1,678 for the Rolex GMT-Master II. For water resistance, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona if you value a lower entry price, better value retention, timing functionality. Go with the Rolex GMT-Master II if you prioritize the Rolex heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona or the Rolex GMT-Master II?
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is more accessible, priced at $34,150 compared to $44,750.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona currently trades at 80.0% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and Rolex GMT-Master II compare in size?
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona measures 40mm in diameter and 12.2mm thick, while the Rolex GMT-Master II is 40mm by 13.1mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona uses the Rolex calibre 4131 with 72 hours power reserve, while the Rolex GMT-Master II runs on the Rolex calibre 3285 offering 70 hours of power reserve.
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