The emblematic style and technical performance of the Cosmograph Daytona have cemented its iconic status well beyond the motor racing circuits.
This year, Rolex unveiled the latest addition to its prestigious line-up — the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona. The entire range has been updated as it enters a new era and celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Fitted with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, this legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds.
The singular design of the case and face has characterised the watch since its launch and has now been revisited with subtle refinements to several details. The dial receives new graphic balance, and harmonious colour combinations accentuate the contrast between the dial and the counters – or their rings.
The Oyster case has also been redesigned, and the light reflections on the lugs and case sides highlight its profile.
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Rolex pioneered in developing special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, but their colours are also of rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects.
In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in producing these ceramic components.
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Rolex’s Cerachrom is a cutting-edge ceramic material that is scratch-resistant and fade-proof. Meanwhile, the numerals and graduations on the bezel are coated with a thin layer of platinum, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing legibility.
The Cerachrom bezel gives the timepiece more contrast and a more aerial feel. This is visible on the new Oystersteel version, with its Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic edged with a thin band of the same metal as the middle case. Most of the models are fitted with a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, closed by an Oysterlock folding safety clasp, with a 5mm Easylink comfort extension.
The new version in 18 ct yellow gold with a golden dial and bright black counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex and patented, this innovative bracelet is made up of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each of the sections – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
The Cosmograph Daytona keeps to its essence, maintaining certain key features. The 100m water-resistant case, still with a screw-down crown and screwed pushers, has retained its proportions of 40mm with a relatively thin profile of 11.90mm. The lug width remains at 20mm.
Among the versions of the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona presented by Rolex, the one fashioned in 950 platinum, recognisable by its ice blue dial, is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in chestnut brown ceramic
For the first time, the 950 platinum version, recognisable by its ice blue dial, will sport a transparent sapphire case back to invite the wearer to appreciate and admire the open-worked 18 ct yellow gold oscillating weight of the column-wheel calibre 4131.
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On the version in 950 platinum of the new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, the oscillating weight is made from 18ct yellow gold and is visible to the wearer through the transparent case back in sapphire – a first for the Oyster Perpetual collection
New movement
This year, the Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131. This new chronograph movement, an evolution of calibre 4130, incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement.
Particular attention has been paid to aesthetics. The calibre features a cut-out oscillating weight and completely new finishes — notably on the bridges, which are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, the brand’s reinterpretation of a well-known decoration in watchmaking. Calibre 4131 enables the Cosmograph Daytona to measure time intervals via the chronograph function and display the hours, minutes and seconds.
Calibre 4131 is the new chronograph movement that will be driving the Cosmograph Daytona range
This self-winding movement is not just a work of art but a high-performance device that boasts a 72-hour power reserve and the latest innovations by Rolex, such as the magnetic Parachrom hairspring and shock absorbers.
Like all Rolex watches, the Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring robust wrist performance.
Celebrating 100 years of speed
To celebrate the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Rolex has also presented an original version of its legendary chronograph.
Version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona created in honour of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary
Crafted in 18 ct white gold, this new watch, an original version of its legendary chronograph, sports a Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic. On the tachymetric scale, the number ‘100’ in red ceramic evokes the race’s centenary. Standing out against the bright black dial are intense white counters whose graphic design is inspired by a traditional Rolex dial. The Oyster case is fitted with a transparent back and an Oyster bracelet.
This original timepiece is equipped with an exclusive movement, calibre 4132, which allows the hours of the chronograph function to be counted over 24 hours — another nod to the race — instead of the model’s usual twelve.
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