Rolex marks the 60th anniversary of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona by revisiting the entire range. — Photos: Rolex
Rolex presents its updated range of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, which has now been revisited with subtle refinements.
The singular design of the case and face has defined the chronograph since its launch in 1963, and with constant improvements over time, the Cosmograph Daytona has proven to be as reliable as it is precise.
Synonymous with speed
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.
These features made the now legendary chronograph the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds.
Sixty years after its launch, through its name and functions, the watch is forever linked to the world of motor sport and continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.
High technology ceramic
Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts.
Virtually scratchproof, resistant to environmental effects and possessing colours of rare intensity, these high-tech ceramics are also inert and cannot corrode thanks to their chemical composition.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in Oystersteel with a white dial and an Oyster bracelet.
Among the versions of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona presented, the one fashioned in 950 platinum, recognisable by its ice blue dial, is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in chestnut brown ceramic.
On the Oystersteel variant with a white lacquer dial, and the watch in 18 ct yellow gold with a golden dial and bright black counters, the Cerachrom bezel is in black ceramic.
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.
Symbol of waterproofness
The 40mm Oyster case of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres.
The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, 18 ct yellow or Everose gold, or 950 platinum, with a case back 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 anti-reflective coating.
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.
Perpetual Calibre 4131
Equipped with the calibre 4131, a chronograph movement unveiled this year, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, 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, engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start.
The bridges of calibre 4131 feature a Rolex Cotes de Geneve decoration – a reinterpretation of an iconic finishing in traditional Swiss watchmaking.
The movement incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability, and made of nickel-phosphorus, it is resistant to strong magnetic fields.
A blue Parachrom hairspring is fitted in the movement, which offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks.
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.
The oscillating weight is fitted with an optimised ball bearing. Calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in yellow gold with a golden and bright black dial and an Oysterflex bracelet.
Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, its power reserve extends to approximately 72 hours.
Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets
The Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum with an ice blue dial is fitted on an Oyster bracelet, as are the variant in Oystersteel and the yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), both of which sport a white lacquer dial.
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, an innovation developed and patented by Rolex.
Made up of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each of the sections – the bracelet is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
The Oyster bracelet and the Oysterflex bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona are both equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening.
It also features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm.
On the version in 950 platinum and that in 18 ct Everose gold, the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.
The Oysterflex bracelet, for its part, is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, an inventive mechanism with a rack located under the clasp cover enables fine adjustments of the bracelet length, without the need for tools.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in platinum with an ice-blue dial and an Oyster bracelet.
The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5mm, allowing the length of the bracelet to be adjusted easily up to some 15mm.
Superlative chronometer certification
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch.
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 and according to its own criteria.
