2021 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch dial is made from metallic meteorite

The Cosmograph Daytona is an icon forever joined in name and function to the world of motor sport. More than 50 years after its creation it remains in a class of its own among sport chronographs.  The 2021 version of Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is no difference. All three exclusive versions feature a dial made from metallic meteorite – a rare natural material from outer space – with black chronograph counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.  

A standout visual feature of the Cosmograph Daytona since its launch, the iconic tachymetric scale is moulded into the first watch’s Cerachrom bezel and engraved on the metal bezels of the other two versions.  Blending of high technology with sleek aesthetics, the black bezel is reminiscent of the 1965 model that was fitted with a black Plexiglas bezel insert.  The monobloc Cerachrom bezel in high-tech ceramic offers a number of advantages: it is corrosion resistant, virtually scratchproof and the color is unaffected by UV rays.  Rolex monobloc Cerachrom bezel is made in a single piece and holds the crystal firmly in place on the middle case, ensuring waterproofness.  In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.

The version in 18 ct white gold is fitted with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a tachymetric scale.  The moulded, recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).  The other two watches, one in 18 ct yellow gold and the other in 18 ct Everose gold, have a metal bezel with a tachymetric scale and are on an Oyster bracelet. On the 18 ct Everose gold version of the watch, the Oyster bracelet includes ceramic inserts inside the links.

The new 18 ct yellow gold and 18 ct Everose gold versions of the Cosmograph Daytona are equipped with an Oyster bracelet. The inside of the bracelet is equipped with longitudinal cushions while the bracelet itself is made up of flexible metal blades manufactured from a titanium and nickel alloy.  The blades are overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. 

Cosmograph Daytona’s winding crown is fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers.

For its dials, Rolex works with leading experts in the field and selects only the sections of meteorite with a particularly well-formed surface rich in different shapes and reflections.  The material which adorns the dial of these new Cosmograph Daytona watches come from an asteroid and primarily composed of iron and nickel.  Metallic meteorite is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut into thin sections and a chemical treatment is applied, the beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed.  These fascinating and varied formations are known as Widmanstätten patterns.

The new versions of the Cosmograph Daytona are equipped with calibre 4130 offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.  Daytona’s chronograph feature functions are activated by pushers that screw down like the winding crown when they are not in use.  One press to start, stop or reset.