Cosmograph Daytona
Born to raceEver since its initial launch, the Cosmograph Daytona has been synonymous with performance and victory. The watch, designed for motor racing, has accompanied the exploits of many a driver. Far beyond the racetrack, it can be found on the wrists of bold personalities who turn every starting line into a new challenge. Iconic Daytona wearer Paul Newman is the perfect example.
The first speed records
Behind the wheel of his famous Bluebird, British racing driver Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first man to exceed 300 mph (483 km/h). On his wrist: a Rolex Oyster. This marked one of the first milestones in Rolex’s enduring association with the world of motor racing.
1935
Launch of the Cosmograph
Designed for motor racing professionals, this watch combines bold design with high chronometric performance. With this model, Rolex created a chronograph destined to transcend the racetrack and become an icon. From its earliest years, the inscription “Daytona” appeared on the dials of some timepieces intended for the American market. This marking would gradually become the norm.
1963
Screw-down pushers
The Cosmograph has evolved, now with a version featuring screw-down pushers. These prevent any accidental knocks to the pushers, thereby offering protection against the risk of water entering the inside of the watch. Testimony to its reinforced waterproofness, the name “Oyster” is inscribed on the dial in addition to “Cosmograph”. Another innovation is the bezel that now features a Plexiglas coated in black, on which the tachymetric scale is coloured white for increased legibility.
1965
Jackie Stewart,
“The Flying Scotsman”
Jackie Stewart wins the Formula 1 World Championship for the first time. A Rolex Testimonee since 1968, the Scottish racing driver would go on to become a three-time world champion with a total of 27 grand prix victories and 99 podium finishes.
The Rolex Daytona I am wearing was given to me in the late sixties in Monaco for winning one of the legendary races. I’ve kept it all those years and I still wear it a lot.
1969
Self-winding
The Cosmograph Daytona is fitted with a self-winding chronograph movement: calibre 4030. To achieve this, the manufacture’s engineers optimized one of the best existing mechanisms, extensively modifying it to further enhance its reliability.
1988
A high-performance movement
Rolex unveils calibre 4130, entirely designed and developed by the manufacture. A true feat of engineering, this chronograph movement marks a turning point in the brand’s history. It is the first to feature the Parachrom hairspring – the very first hairspring to be manufactured in-house. The chronograph function uses a reduced number of components, thereby also enhancing the movement’s reliability.
2000
Iconic watch, legendary challenge
The Cosmograph Daytona becomes the Official Watch of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the oldest and most prestigious endurance race, established in 1923.
2001
High-technology ceramic
The monobloc Cerachrom bezel – a true technical feat – is introduced on the Cosmograph Daytona. Extremely robust, strong and virtually scratchproof, this high-technology ceramic bezel offers inimitable aesthetics.
2011
Scott Pruett,
“Mr Daytona”
Scott Pruett wins Rolex 24 At DAYTONA for the fifth time. For each of his victories, he is presented with a Cosmograph Daytona engraved with the race logo, the date and the magic word: “Winner”. “It’s all about the watch,” says the American victor of this trophy coveted by drivers the world over.
2013
A distinguished bracelet
The Cosmograph Daytona is now available with an Oysterflex bracelet on versions in 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold. This innovative, patented bracelet combines in a singular way the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility and comfort of an elastomer strap.
2017
A new era
The Cosmograph Daytona’s dial and case have been redesigned, while the Cerachrom bezel features edging crafted from the same metal as the middle case. A new movement, calibre 4131, incorporates the Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers and a cut-out oscillating weight. It is also embellished with a Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. The 950 platinum version has an oscillating weight made from 18 ct yellow gold, which is visible through the transparent case back.
A very special edition
Further, in honour of the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Rolex unveils a version with calibre 4132, a movement that allows the hours of the chronograph function to be counted over the full 24 rather than the model’s usual 12.
2023
Jamie Chadwick,
the new face of motor sport
Jamie Chadwick, a Rolex Testimonee since 2022, is appointed Grand Marshal of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. For the first time in the history of motor racing, a woman utters the famous words, “Drivers, start your engines.”
Discover more