The black Tahitian mother-of-pearl used on this dial originates from the Pinctada Margaritifera, the black-lipped oyster native to the warm lagoons of French Polynesia, especially around Tahiti. Unlike standard white mother-of-pearl, this variety forms naturally dark layers of nacre (the inner shell), producing the unmistakable iridescence collectors prize—tones that can shift between shades of deep blue, peacock green, aubergine, and even soft pistachio depending on the angle of light. Its colour isn’t “black” in the literal sense; it’s the result of conchiolin-rich layers absorbing and scattering light as they accumulate over time. Because every oyster grows its nacre differently, each slice of black Tahitian mother-of-pearl carries its own distinct pattern, depth, and play of colour, ensuring that no two dials ever look quite the same.

Its iridescence plays beautifully against the weight and sheen of the white-gold case. This example also carries Roman numerals around the periphery, three neatly recessed sub-dials, and a contrasting red ‘DAYTONA’ script above the 6:00 sub-dial that gives the dial a well-judged pop of colour.

Powering this 116509 from within is the robust self-winding Rolex Cal. 4130 movement with 70 hours of power reserve.