Introducing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is the benchmark for those with a passion for driving and speed. Share
An iconic model introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of motor racing professionals. Fitted with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals or determining average speeds.
The Cosmograph Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for racing drivers thanks to its precision and its reliability. The watch, which is equipped with an additional mechanism to measure intervals of time displayed by secondary hands, also offers outstanding legibility of its functions. Time intervals can be measured to within one-eighth of a second with the centre chronograph seconds hand, while the two counters on the dial at 3 and 9 o’clock display elapsed time in minutes and hours respectively.
The Cosmograph Daytona’s bezel, in metal or high-tech ceramic, functions as a tachymeter: its scale can be used to read an average speed over a given distance based on elapsed time. This scale, which offers optimal legibility, makes the Cosmograph Daytona the ideal instrument for measuring speeds up to 400 units per hour, expressed in kilometres, miles, or any other unit of measure.
The precision of every movement—officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC)—is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day—the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer certification testing is carried out after casing using state-of-the-art equipment specially developed by Rolex and according to an exclusive methodology that simulates the conditions in which a watch is actually worn and more closely represents real-life experience. The entirely automated series of tests also checks the waterproofness, the self-winding capacity and the power reserve of 100 per cent of Rolex watches.
The Cosmograph Daytona’s Oyster case, 40 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy, 18 ct gold, or 950 platinum. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to 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, as do the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Cosmograph Daytona’s movement. From 2023, the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum features a transparent case back in sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, offering the opportunity to admire the decorations on the movement and the pivoting of the oscillating weight.
The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, evolved from calibre 4130 which had equipped the model since the year 2000. A consummate demonstration of the technology, this movement offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
The patented Oysterflex bracelet, developed by Rolex, singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the suppleness, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. This innovative bracelet is composed of two flexible, curved metal blades—one for each bracelet section—overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer. The Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with the Rolex Glidelock extension system, developed by the brand and patented.
From 2023, the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum features a transparent case back in sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, offering the opportunity to admire the decorations on the movement and the pivoting of the oscillating weight.
