Rolex Cosmograph Daytona celebrates 100 years at Le Mans

Daytona Le Mans

The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, cast in 18 ct white gold and adorned with a bright black and intense white dial, is a testament to the fusion of motorsports and luxury watches. This timepiece, with its Oyster bracelet and a black Cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale, is a symbol of Rolex’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of racing and watches.

A defining feature of this model is its bezel, moulded with a tachymetric scale capable of measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometres per hour. This high-tech bezel, with its sleek aesthetics, is reminiscent of the 1965 model that was equipped with a black Plexiglas bezel insert. The red ceramic number 100 on this edition pays homage to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, a legendary event in the world of motorsports.

The monobloc Cerachrom bezel, crafted from high-tech ceramic, boasts several advantages: it is resistant to corrosion, virtually scratchproof, and its colour remains unaffected by UV rays. This durable bezel also offers an exceptionally legible tachymetric scale, thanks to the deposition of a thin layer of platinum in the numerals and graduations via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. The number 100, however, is filled with red ceramic, further enhancing its visual appeal.

The dial of this model, in bright black and intense white, features snailed counters, gold applique hour markers, and hands with a Chromalight display, a highly-legible luminescent material. The graphic design of the dial draws inspiration from a past Rolex model, further cementing its connection to the brand’s rich history.

Rolex’s commitment to quality is evident in the design, development, and production of its bracelets and clasps. The Oyster bracelet, a perfect blend of form and function, was first introduced in the late 1930s. This robust and comfortable metal bracelet with its broad, flat three-piece links remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster collection.