Writer Giorgia Mondani spotted wearing a Rolex

Giorgia Mondani, whose publishing house Mondani Editore has produced some of the most authoritative reference books on Rolex ever printed, was recently spotted wearing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 — a detail that carries considerable weight given her standing in the collector community. Few wrists in the watch world carry the same bibliographic credibility.

Introduced at Baselworld 2008, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 represented a landmark moment: the first Daytona ever produced in Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless-resistant Everose gold alloy. The 40mm case houses the in-house Caliber 4130, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch that Rolex developed to replace the previous Zenith-based ebauche. The movement operates at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 72 hours of power reserve, and is COSC-certified. The black dial variant with rose gold applied index markers and matching subdials delivers a distinctly formal aesthetic within the Daytona family.

The reference 116505 holds a firm position in the collector hierarchy. As the entry point into precious-metal Daytona ownership — sitting below the gem-set and meteorite-dial variants — it attracts buyers who want the full in-house movement and precious case without the complications of exotic dials. The Everose gold formulation, which Rolex patents for its resistance to fading, adds a technical dimension beyond mere material prestige. Production numbers are tightly controlled, and demand consistently outpaces availability through authorized dealers.

For Mondani, whose books on Rolex Daytona references have become standard research tools for serious collectors and auction specialists alike, wearing the 116505 is almost an occupational statement. She has catalogued virtually every Daytona reference in print — owning one of its most significant modern iterations closes a certain kind of loop.

On the grey market, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 in Everose gold trades at a meaningful premium above its last known retail price of $37,450. Demand for rose gold Daytonas has remained resilient across market cycles, supported by the model's dual appeal to both watch enthusiasts and luxury consumers. Availability at authorized dealers is effectively nonexistent, making secondary market acquisition the practical reality for most buyers.