In the watch world there are many prominent celebrity figures who’s taste can sway the masses. The mase famous example is Paul Newman, who held this torch throughout the mid 20th century. Newman became synonymous with the Daytona, with many named after him and sold at auction for millions.
Today, we have a new generation of celebrities recognized for their distinct taste in watches, including Jay Z, Roger Federer, and Ed Sheeran. Among them is John Mayer, a talented musician with a beautiful passion for watches. Although not an official collaboration, Mayer’s status and keen eye for watches, lead to a watch being named after him. This is the story of the Rolex Daytona “John Mayer”
John Mayer and Hodinkee
Hodinkee, a prominent name in the watch industry, has frequently hosted discussions with celebrity watch enthusiasts, including John Mayer. In their second encounters, Mayer shared his perspective on “sleeper hits” – These are timepieces that initially fly under the radar but “could be something special down the road”.
During this discussion, Mayer highlighted two modern Rolex Daytona models as potential “sleeper hits”: the reference 116509 with a blue dial and the remarkable reference 116508 with a green dial. Following the release of the video, demand for the green Daytona surged dramatically, nearly doubling its market value and earning it the nickname “Rolex Daytona John Mayer.”
In hindsight, Mayer’s predictions were spot-on. Given the Daytona’s status as one of Rolex’s most coveted timepieces, the allure of all-gold models and fascination with unique dials, it’s surprising this watch ever went under the radar. Mayer’s keen eye as a passionate collector and watch enthusiast allowed him to foresee the potential of these sleeper hits.
Both models were discontinued in 2023. Typically, this would lead to an increase in market value but the green Daytona has dropped by around 15% in its price. However this is likely a reflection of the watch market as a whole as opposed to demand for this specific model.
Celebrities wearing the Rolex Daytona John Mayer
This watch has become a popular pick for celebs over the last few years. Here are a few familiar faces wearing it.