Cosmograph Daytona

The triumph of endurance

Watch or legend?

Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona has long since transcended its status in the world of watchmaking to become an icon. Its name, inextricably linked to the famous racetrack, as well as its graphic face, have made it a legend. Yet it is at the heart of this exceptional chronograph that the true mechanics of the legend beat: a movement designed and produced entirely by the Rolex Manufacture that delivers superlative performance in all circumstances. Constantly improved and refined over time, the Cosmograph Daytona has proved to be as reliable as it is precise.

You must stay calm but you must also act and not be afraid; you must go forward courageously.

Hans Wilsdorf
Movements of excellence

Movements of excellence

Behind the legendary design of the Cosmograph Daytona lies a modern story of Swiss watchmaking. Initially equipped with Valjoux movements, in 1988 the Cosmograph Daytona was fitted with calibre 4030, an adaptation of the Zenith El Primero calibre, the world’s first high-frequency self-winding chronograph movement. Rolex engineers worked to optimize this calibre – by reducing its frequency to 4 Hz – to guarantee its robustness and reliability over time. In 2000, the presentation of the Rolex 4130 calibre (which became the 4131 in 2023, or the 4132 on some special versions of the model) perpetuated the quest for excellence initiated by the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf. Developed and produced by Rolex, it has proven to be particularly reliable and durable under even the most challenging conditions.

Cosmograph Daytona ambiance

An exceptional chronograph

The Cosmograph Daytona is emblematic of Rolex’s expertise and stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability. For years, Rolex engineers worked on the design and development of calibre 4130, which was optimized to become calibre 4131 in 2023. An adaptation of calibre 4131, calibre 4132, was also launched the same year. Since its creation, the calibre, which is comprised of a minimal number of parts, has established itself as one of the most efficient and robust in the world.

On the one hand, its simplified architecture creates space for the barrel, providing a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. On the other hand, its vertical clutch mechanism guarantees prolonged operation of the chronograph without compromising chronometric precision. This is complemented by the outstanding performance of the Chronergy escapement and the Parachrom hairspring. The hermetic qualities of the Oyster case are maintained by the screw-down pushers and the Triplock winding crown, equipped with a triple waterproofness system.

A chronograph produced in Rolex workshops.

Endurance race

The characteristic design of the Cosmograph Daytona has become iconic.

Exceptional chronograph

A legendary design

Bezel, minute track and three counters: this characteristic five-circle iconography is emblematic of the Cosmograph Daytona. And its dial, with a white background and black counters – sometimes known as the “Panda” by collectors – has become a classic. Its legendary status was earned, in part, on the wrist of Hollywood icon, experienced racing driver and pioneering social entrepreneur Paul Newman.

Over time, the design of the dials, the colour combinations and the architecture of the cases have been regularly reworked to reaffirm the elegance of the model. Its attributes also allow the Manufacture to demonstrate its superior expertise in some very diverse fields. These include cutting-edge technologies, with its tachymetric scale now moulded into the high-tech ceramic Cerachrom bezel insert, and gemmology and gem-setting, particularly on versions with a gold bezel set with 36 sapphires in a rainbow-like colour gradation. Throughout all of its versions, the design of the Cosmograph Daytona keeps the legend of this unique chronograph alive.

First you must know what you want, then you must do everything you can to get it. The will to succeed, a manifestation of the will to live, is of vital importance.

Hans Wilsdorf
Cosmograph Daytona

Breaking away from convention

By its very name, the Cosmograph Daytona is linked to motor sport. Inscribed in red capital letters above the small seconds counter, the word “Daytona” refers to the Florida beach where the first speed records were set on United States soil. Now a world-renowned speedway, Daytona has greatly inspired the legend of this chronograph. Yet it is built not just for racing. It symbolizes the determination of those who choose to follow their own path.

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