The new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is being presented by Rolex, featuring updates across its entire range. Since its launch, the chronograph has been characterized by its singular design of the case and face, which has now been revisited with subtle refinements to various details. New graphic balance has been added to the dial, and harmonious color combinations emphasize the contrast between the dial and counters or their rings. The redesign of the Oyster case highlights its profile with light reflections on the lugs and case sides. On models with a Cerachrom bezel, the bezel is edged with a thin band of the same metal as the middle case.
Starting this year, the Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a new chronograph movement that incorporates major innovations brought to Rolex movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Attention has also been given to aesthetics, with a cut-out oscillating weight and new finishes, notably on the bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève. The calibre enables the Cosmograph Daytona to measure time intervals through its chronograph function and display hours, minutes, and seconds.
The Cosmograph Daytona, a prestigious and iconic watch, now includes a transparent case back and an oscillating weight made of 18 ct yellow gold in the 950 platinum version.
The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, like all Rolex watches, carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing its excellent performance on the wrist. This legendary chronograph was launched in 1963 to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Equipped with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, it remains the preferred instrument for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds.
The Cosmograph Daytona has become synonymous with the world of motorsport, with its name and functions forever linked to the sport. Even after 60 years since its launch, it continues to hold an unparalleled status among sport chronographs.
Rolex has played a pioneering role in developing special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. These materials are virtually scratchproof and have rare intensity and resistance to environmental effects. Additionally, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode due to its chemical composition. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods, providing complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.
Among the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona watches presented, one version is fashioned in 950 platinum with an ice blue dial and is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in chestnut brown ceramic. The Oystersteel variant features a white lacquer dial with a black ceramic Cerachrom bezel, while the 18 ct yellow gold watch has a golden dial with bright black counters and a black ceramic Cerachrom bezel. The tachymetric scale’s recessed graduations, numerals, and inscriptions are moulded and coated with a thin layer of platinum or yellow gold using a PVD process.
The 40mm Oyster case of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is a symbol of robustness and reliability, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the presented versions 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 only Rolex watchmakers can access. The Triplock winding crown, featuring a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case offers optimal protection for the movement it encases.
The Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum now features a transparent sapphire case back with an anti-reflective coating that enables the wearer to appreciate the movement’s decorations and the oscillating weight’s pivoting.
The new watch is powered by the calibre 4131, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed and manufactured entirely by Rolex. It boasts exceptional performance, including precision, power reserve, convenience, and reliability. The movement features a chronograph function that uses fewer components to enhance its reliability, and it is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch that allows for an instantaneous and precise start. The bridges of the calibre 4131 are decorated with a Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration, which includes a polished groove between each band.
The patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, enhances the movement’s efficiency and dependability, and it is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy, offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and high resistance to shocks. The oscillator is mounted on the Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. The oscillating weight features an optimized ball bearing.
The calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s efficiency, the power reserve extends up to 72 hours.
The new-generation Cosmograph Daytona watches, introduced this year, come with either an Oyster or an Oysterflex bracelet. The 950 platinum version, distinguished by its ice blue dial, and the Oystersteel and yellow Rolesor versions with a white lacquer dial, as well as the 18 ct Everose gold version with bright black dial and Sundust counters, all come with an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, the Oyster bracelet is a three-piece link bracelet known for its durability.
On the other hand, the new 18 ct yellow gold version with golden dial and bright black counters comes with the Oysterflex bracelet. This patented bracelet, developed by Rolex, features two flexible curved metal blades – one for each section – overmolded with high-performance black elastomer.
Both the Oyster and Oysterflex bracelets of the Cosmograph Daytona come with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which ensures secure closure. The Oyster bracelet has the Easylink comfort extension link developed by Rolex, allowing the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The versions in 950 platinum and 18 ct Everose gold also have patented ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance flexibility and longevity.
Meanwhile, the Oysterflex bracelet has the Rolex Glidelock extension system, a patented mechanism with a rack located under the clasp cover, enabling fine adjustments to the bracelet length without requiring any tools. The Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of around 2.5 mm, making it possible to adjust the bracelet length by up to 15 mm.
The Superlative Chronometer certification, which Rolex redefined in 2015, covers the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, just like all other Rolex watches. This certification indicates that each watch manufactured by the brand has undergone a series of tests in its own laboratories, following its own criteria, after receiving official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Rolex conducts in-house certification tests on fully assembled watches, ensuring top-notch performance in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness, and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is within −2 /+2 seconds per day, which is a much smaller rate deviation than the one accepted by COSC for the official certification of the movement alone.
A green seal symbolizes the Superlative Chronometer status of a Rolex watch, and it comes with an international five-year guarantee.