The New 2023 Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
Every August, thousands of car enthusiasts from around the world flock to the Monterey Peninsula for a week-long celebration of motorsports across all eras. As locals, we know it well, and we look forward to the annual series of exceptional events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance® presented by Rolex, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
Fourtané's Carmel-by-the-Sea boutique is ideally placed to welcome these visitors, as our Rolex showroom envelops guests in an atmosphere inspired by Rolex's close ties with motorsports in the region. But the brand's involvement in motorsports extends as far back as the 1930s and goes well beyond our Californian borders and the vintage era events we host here. Rolex has continued to nurture this long relationship through involvement in top-level, international racing like FORMULA 1® and the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona, an endurance race that is forever linked to one of Rolex's most legendary timepieces: the Cosmograph Daytona.
No other watch is as synonymous with motorsports, enjoying unparalleled status among drivers, race fans, and watch lovers alike. And with this year's launch of a new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex has once again illustrated a desire to reinvent while preserving a sense of continuity and to innovate while being mindful of tradition.
An Icon Defying Time
The emblematic style and technical performance of the Cosmograph Daytona have cemented its iconic status well beyond the motor racing circuits. To mark the 60th anniversary of the watch, Rolex ensures the legend lives on by revisiting the entire range.
Rolex is presenting its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, which has been updated across the entire range. The singular design of the case and face has characterized the chronograph since its launch, and has now been revisited with subtle refinements to a number of details. The dial receives new graphic balance, and harmonious colour combinations accentuate the contrast between the dial and the counters — or their rings. The Oyster case has been redesigned, and its profile is highlighted by the light reflections on the lugs and case sides. On versions with a Cerachrom bezel, the bezel is edged with a thin band of the same metal as the middle case.
From this year, the Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131. This new chronograph movement, an evolution of calibre 4130, incorporates a number of the major innovations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement. Particular attention has been paid to aesthetics. The calibre features a cut-out oscillating weight and completely new finishes — notably on the bridges, which are embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève, the brand's reinterpretation of a well-known decoration in watchmaking. Calibre 4131 enables the Cosmograph Daytona to measure intervals of time via the chronograph function, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds.
A prestigious and iconic watch, the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum now features a transparent case back as well as an oscillating weight made of 18 ct yellow gold. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
Synonymous with Speed
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 entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds.
Through its name and functions, the Cosmograph Daytona is forever linked to the world of motor sport and, 60 years after its launch, continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.
High-Technology Ceramic
Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts. Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. Rolex has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.
Among the versions of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona presented, the one fashioned in 950 platinum, recognizable by its ice blue dial, is equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in chestnut brown ceramic. On the variant in Oystersteel with a white lacquer dial, and the watch in 18 ct yellow gold with a golden dial and bright black counters, the Cerachrom bezel is in black ceramic. The recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions on the tachymetric scale are moulded then coated with a thin layer of platinum or yellow gold via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.
The Oyster Case, Symbol of Waterproofness
A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the new-generation 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 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 allows only Rolex watchmakers to access 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, 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.
On the Cosmograph Daytona in 950 platinum, the case now features a transparent case back in sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, offering the opportunity to admire the decorations on the movement and the pivoting of the oscillating weight.
Perpetual Calibre 4131
The new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a chronograph movement unveiled this year, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance 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. The bridges of calibre 4131 feature a Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration, which differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the addition of a 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 fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
Calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement's superior efficiency, the power reserve of caliber 4131 extends to approximately 72 hours.
Oyster and Oysterflex Bracelets
Among the versions of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona introduced this year, the one in 950 platinum, recognizable by its ice blue dial, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. The variant in Oystersteel as well as the yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), both of which sport a white lacquer dial, are also fitted on this bracelet.The 18 ct Everose gold version — with a bright black dial and Sundust counters — is similarly offered on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.
The new version in 18 ct yellow gold with a golden dial and bright black 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 Oyster bracelet and the Oysterflex bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona are both equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The Oyster bracelet features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the version in 950 platinum and that in 18 ct Everose gold, the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts — designed by Rolex — inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity. The Oysterflex bracelet, for its part, 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 adjustments 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 adjusted easily up to some 15 mm.
Superlative Chronometer Certification
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand's workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. 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 status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Mythical Daytona
The new-generation Cosmograph Daytona reflects the level of excellence and prestige that has firmly rooted motorsports and speed racing into human history, and a significant portion of that history was made in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Rolex's close ties with Daytona began in the 1930s, when land speed records were regularly being set and broken on the hard packed sands of Daytona Beach. The races were unlike any others in the world and welcomed the sport's best and brightest stars. Among them was Sir Malcolm Campbell, who broke the World Land Speed Record nine times between 1924 and 1935, setting five of them on the beach at Daytona.
From 1930 onwards, Campbell proudly wore a Rolex Oyster, which was on his wrist during his 1935 record-breaking exploit, when he became the first man to break 300 mph (482 km/h). A telegraph from Campbell to Rolex exclaimed, "Rolex watch worn yesterday during record attempt and still going splendidly notwithstanding rough usage received," officially making Campbell the first Rolex Testimonee in motorsport.
Capitalizing on the popularity of motorsports in Daytona Beach, Daytona International Speedway was inaugurated in 1959 as the fastest racing circuit in the United States. In 1962, the track first hosted the race that would come to be known as the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the only sports car race in the world besides the 24 Hours of Le Mans to test the ultimate limits of man and machine in a twice-round-the-clock format.
Very early on, race winners began receiving a Rolex watch as a prize, inextricably linking the destinies of the race and the brand. "It's all about the watch," confirms five-time race winner and Rolex Testimonee Scott Pruett, and Rolex officially became Title Sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1992.
Legendary Divers, The Pinnacle of Speed
Since the early days in Daytona, Rolex has only continued to reinforce a commitment to top-level motor racing across the best in the sport. In 2013, Rolex became the Official Timepiece of Formula 1®, a partnership with the pinnacle of motorsport built around a shared passion for performance, precision, excellence and innovation
In addition to Sir Malcolm Campbell and Scott Pruett, Rolex also counts numerous motorsport legends among its Testimonees, including record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Tom Kristensen, cinematic icon — and second place winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans - Paul Newman, celebrated Formula 1® drivers Sir Jackie Stewart and Jenson Button, and next generation champion Jamie Chadwick, whose impressive career began with a checkered flag at the Silverstone 24-Hour race when she was only 15 years old.
The Fourtané Difference
A family-owned business since 1950, Fourtané is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers. Our store in Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its curated selection of fine estate jewelry and both new and historically important vintage watches. Our expert team is thrilled to share details about new, exemplary timepieces making history, like the Perpetual 1908, which is sure to become an icon of watchmaking expertise. We invite you to explore this new model experience the Fourtané difference, and celebrate the art of watchmaking in one of our boutique California locations.
Visit Us In Carmel-by-the-Sea
The newly remodeled Fourtané Rolex showroom in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, envelopes visitors in an atmosphere inspired by Rolex's close ties with motorsports on the Monterey Peninsula. Come enjoy a luxurious customer experience in our original location, and explore our collections in the personalized, friendly atmosphere one would expect from a family-owned business.
Visit Us In San Diego
Located within Fashion Valley, the new Fourtané Boutique features custom-designed elements that pay homage to San Diego's rich maritime history and Rolex's ongoing commitment to exploration and the oceans. With this second location, Fourtané proudly brings our personal approach, expert knowledge, and passion for excellence to the San Diego market.
