The emblematic style and technical performance of the Cosmograph Daytona have cemented its iconic status well beyond the motor racing circuits. To mark the 60th anniversary of the watch, Rolex ensures the legend lives on by revisiting the entire range.

Rolex is presenting its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, which has been updated across the entire range. The singular design of the case and face has characterised the chronograph since its launch, and has now been revisited with subtle refinements to a number of details. From 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.

A prestigious and iconic watch, the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum now features a transparent case back as well as an oscillating weight made of 18 ct yellow gold. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Synonymous with speed Launched 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 now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds Through its name and functions, the Cosmograph Daytona is forever linked to the world of motor sport and, 60 years after its launch, continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.

High-technology ceramic Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a 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 the production of these ceramic components. The recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions on the tachymetric scale are moulded then coated with a thin layer of platinum or yellow gold via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process

Perpetual calibre 4131 The new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a chronograph movement unveiled this year, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. It incorporates a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, thereby also enhancing the movement’s reliability. It is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. The bridges of calibre 4131 feature a Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration, which differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the addition of a slight polished groove between each band. Calibre 4131 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 4131 extends to approximately 72 hours.

The Oyster case, symbol of waterproofness A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed water proof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, 18 ct yellow or Everose gold, or 950 platinum. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an antireflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses On the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum, the case now features a transparent case back in sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, offering the opportunity to admire the decorations on the movement and the pivoting of the oscillating weight.

Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets Among the versions of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona introduced this year, the one in 950 platinum, recognizable by its ice blue dial, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. The variant in Oystersteel as well as the yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), both of which sport a white lacquer dial, are also fitted on this bracelet. The 18 ct Everose gold version – with a bright black dial and Sundust counters – is similarly offered on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness. 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.

Superlative Chronometer Certification Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

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