An icon eternally revisited
Two new reinterpretations of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona achieve the perfect balance of precision and preciousness. In a subtle interplay of hues, they write another chapter in the legendary story of a model known for a wealth of variations, summoning the potential in each of us for perpetual reinvention.
Rolex is unveiling two new precious and exclusive versions of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona distinctive for their contrasting dial made from natural mother-of-pearl and graced with eight diamonds and three Chromalight hour markers. Both watches are crafted in 18 ct white gold and crowned with a bezel set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds.
The first version, fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet, features a dial in white mother-of-pearl with chronograph counters in black mother-of-pearl. The colour combination is reversed on the second watch, which has an Oyster bracelet and a black mother-of-pearl dial with white mother-of-pearl counters. The discs of material used for the dial and the counters are positioned to optimize the colour intensity of each variety of mother-of-pearl and further enhance the contrast between them.
This design called for the creation of a specific and technically demanding manufacturing process. The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology that features bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight. Calibre 4131 enables the Cosmograph Daytona to measure intervals of time via the chronograph function, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
A legendary chronograph
Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Fitted with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds. Over the course of its history, it has appeared in gem-set versions on which the emblematic tachymetric scale is replaced with diamonds or coloured precious stones.
Through its name and functions, the Cosmograph Daytona is forever linked to the world of motor sport and, more than six decades after its launch, continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.
The Oyster case, symbol of waterproofness
A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the versions presented is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct white gold. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple aterproofness 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 antireflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.
Calibre 4131
The Cosmograph Daytona is driven by calibre 4131, a chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Released in 2023, it was introduced on the model the same year and exclusively equips this watch. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly 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. It is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start.
Calibre 4131 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably on the bridges, which feature Rolex Côtes de Genève – a decoration that differs from traditional Côtes de Genève for the slight polished groove between each band.
Calibre 4131 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring 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 cut out and, furthermore, fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
Calibre 4131 is equipped with a selfwinding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours.
Oysterflex and Oyster bracelets
The new version of the Cosmograph Daytona with a white mother-of-pearl dial and black mother-of-pearl counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex and patented, this innovative bracelet is made up of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each of the sections – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
The variant with a black mother-of-pearl dial and white mother-of-pearl counters is mounted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this three-piece link metal bracelet is known for its robustness; it remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection.
The Oysterflex bracelet and the Oyster bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona are each equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The Oysterflex bracelet is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system. Developed by the brand and patented, this inventive mechanism with a rack located under the clasp cover enables fine adjustment of the bracelet length, without the need for tools. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the length of the bracelet to be effortlessly adjusted up to some 15 mm. The Oyster bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona features, for its part, the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily lengthen the bracelet by approximately 5 mm. On the version presented, it includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.
