Rolex Announces A New-Generation Cosmograph Daytona For Its 60th Anniversary
If you like to wear your watches no matter where you go, you should probably skip this article. Indeed, the Daytona is only for the brave of heart. Not only is it probably the most recognizable watch in Rolex’s catalog, but it’s also one of the most iconic watches in general. A dramatic markup over its retail price on the secondary market ensures that you are also easily identified as a target. Let’s see what Rolex has in store for the Daytona’s 60th anniversary.
An evolution rather than a revolution
Rolex had an interest in Daytona Beach and the speed demons who raced there as far back as the early 1930s. However, the Daytona that most of us think of today when someone mentions Rolex was a watch that debuted in 1963. First, it came with a Valjoux movement, and later on, it utilized the famous El Primero from Zenith.
Therefore, it seems fitting that Rolex has some movement updates in store for its 60th anniversary. Starting this year, it will house the Rolex caliber 4131. This is the first time that Rolex has updated the movement of its Daytona collection after the switch to in-house calibers more than two decades ago.
It’s an evolution of the existing 4130 with a couple of features that Rolex has introduced throughout the years to its movements, such as the Chronergy escapement. This modification of the classic Swiss lever escapement is more efficient, thus increasing the power reserve of modern releases. Additionally, Rolex overhauled the movement’s aesthetics with completely new finishing touches. This brings us to the most notable update — an exhibition case back.
A revolution behind the scenes
While Rolex also touched up on some details of the case and dial, the brand-new exhibition case back is the star of the show here. Yes, Rolex does mention having redesigned the Oyster case and giving the dial a “new graphic balance.” But in the classic Rolex way, these are evolutions of well-established elements rather than revolutionary redesigns. All in all, the overall look of the Daytona didn’t change too much for its 60th anniversary. It still has the same dimensions and the same recognizable look. Considering just how iconic the look of the Daytona is, that’s not exactly a bad thing.
Retail prices are as follows (not including diamond-set dials):
- Steel €14,850
- Rolesor €19,200
- Yellow Gold on Oysterflex €30,050
- Yellow Gold on Oyster Bracelet €38,800
- White Gold or Everose on Oysterflex €31,550
- White Gold or Everose on Oyster Bracelet €41,700
- Platinum €POR
You might call it a revolution behind the scenes: this is the very first Rolex sports model with a display case back. Suddenly, the focus on the aesthetics of the brand-new caliber 4131 makes sense. No, Rolex isn’t known for A. Lange & Söhne-like Haute Horlogerie finishes, but it’s still nice to look at. We do know that watch enthusiasts often feel quite strongly about exhibition case backs — some love them, some hate them. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments.
