A hundred years ago Rolex filed the patent for the world’s first waterproof wristwatch case. The Oyster, as it was called, revolutionised watchmaking with its sealed, screw-down system—comprising the bezel, case back, and winding crown—that protected the movement from water, dust, and debris. It is off the back of this – and a few other good decisions over the past century – that Rolex elevated itself to the undisputed leader in its industry.
At Watches & Wonders, while the brand rightfully spent its time celebrating the centenary anniversary with a whole host of new references – it was the tweak to another one of the Crown’s historical ‘good decisions’ that piqued our interest.
Since it was launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona has become one of the most sought-after styles in Rolex’s catalogue, though it was initially designed for professional racing drivers. In 2023, the base style got an upgrade and re-release under the reference number 126500LN, and the new model unveiled at Watches and Wonders builds upon it.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona features a white enamelled dial and an anthracite Cerachrom bezel, set into a case made from Rolesium, the brand’s trademark material alloy combining Oystersteel with luxurious platinum for equal parts robustness and luxury. In its design, this new model harks back to the look of the very first Cosmograph Daytona, with numerals presented horizontally, though a contemporary font gives it a much more modern spin.
Technologically, this is built on the same upgraded base that the Daytona has had since 2023, keeping the same 100-metre water resistance, crown and chronograph pushers. It’s also equipped with the Calibre 4131, a chronograph movement developed and manufactured in-house. The movement uses fewer components in its chronograph function for greater reliability and incorporates the ‘Chronergy’ escapement that enables the timepiece to resist strong magnetic fields.
As a part of Rolex’s exceptional watches line, this Cosmograph Daytona is currently not in catalogue – but we’re sure that info on just how you can get your hands on one will be released soon.