Watch reference library
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508 “John Mayer”
Produced 2016 to 2025, green dial 116508-0013. Discontinued.
Specifications
- Case size
- 40mm
- Case material
- 18k yellow gold
- Bezel
- 18k yellow gold
- Dial
- Deep green with a starburst finish and green sub-dials
- Movement
- Rolex calibre 4130, automatic chronograph
- Power reserve
- About 72 hours
- Bracelet
- 18k yellow gold bracelet to match the case Part number, lug width and links
The story
Rolex introduced the green-dial Cosmograph Daytona 116508-0013 at Baselworld 2016. It was an 18k yellow gold Daytona on a matching gold bracelet with a deep green dial, shown at the same fair as the steel 116500LN with its black Cerachrom bezel. Time+Tide noted that the dial was the only change from earlier yellow gold Daytonas, which were most often seen with black or champagne dials.
The watch picked up its nickname in 2019. Time+Tide wrote that John Mayer's Talking Watches episode about his Daytonas turned the 2016 yellow gold and green Daytona into a sought-after piece almost overnight, and the "John Mayer" tag has stuck to the 116508-0013 ever since.
In 2025 Rolex replaced it with the reference 126508-0008. Fratello describes the newcomer as a refined evolution of the 116508-0013, slimmer and with a revamped dial, a different shade of green and gold-colored sub-dials in place of the green ones. Monochrome Watches notes that it carries the updates Rolex launched on the Daytona in 2023.
What to check before you buy
The 116508 reference covers more than the green dial. Time+Tide says yellow gold Daytonas were most often seen with black or champagne dials, and Rolex also made a meteorite dial on the 116508 in 2021, so the dial code matters: the green dial is 116508-0013. Confirm it on the paperwork.
To tell the 2016 watch from its 2025 successor, look at the sub-dials. The 116508-0013 has tone-on-tone green sub-dials with red inside the counters, while the 126508-0008 has a lighter green dial with gold-colored sub-dials. The 2016 watch is solid yellow gold in the case, bezel and bracelet, so check the whole watch for wear, polishing and dings, not only the dial.
Buying or selling a 116508?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands. For live market pricing on this reference, Moda-lytics tracks real Rolex sales data.
Common questions
Why is the 116508-0013 called the John Mayer Daytona?
Time+Tide reported that John Mayer's Talking Watches episode about his Daytonas turned the 2016 yellow gold and green-dial Daytona into a sought-after piece almost overnight, and the nickname followed.
What movement is in the 116508?
The in-house calibre 4130, an automatic chronograph. Fratello puts its power reserve at 72 hours, and Time+Tide lists the accuracy as within minus two and plus two seconds a day.
Does the 116508 only come with a green dial?
No. Time+Tide says yellow gold Daytonas were most often seen with black or champagne dials, and Rolex added a meteorite dial on the 116508 in 2021. The green dial is the 116508-0013.
Is the 116508-0013 still made?
No. Rolex replaced it in 2025 with the reference 126508-0008, which has a lighter green dial, gold-colored sub-dials and the calibre 4131.
How can I tell the old green Daytona from the new one?
Look at the sub-dials. The 116508-0013 has green sub-dials that match the dial, while the 126508-0008 has gold-colored sub-dials and a lighter shade of green.
Related references
Sources
The facts on this page come from the brand and from established watch publications.
- aBlogtoWatch: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508 Green Dial 18k Yellow Gold Watch Hands-On
- Time+Tide: John Mayer just made this green and gold Daytona the next hype-piece
- Fratello: Hands-On: The New Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona With A Green Dial
- Monochrome Watches: Introducing: John Mayer and Meteorite Dials... Rolex Silently Launched 7 new Daytona Models
- Fratello: Why I Bought The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520