In 2023 Rolex is launching the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona, updated across the entire range. Ref.126500LN has a price of €15,200. Full details.
In 2023 Rolex celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Daytona, one of the most iconic wristwatches of all times (you can find its complete history here), by presenting its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, which has been updated across the entire range.
The Oyster case has been redesigned, and its profile is highlighted by the light reflections on the lugs and case sides. Measuring 40 mm in diameter, the Oyster case of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres / 330 feet.
The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an antireflective coating.
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.
On versions with a ceramic Cerachrom bezel, the bezel is edged with the same metal as the case.
The dial receives new graphic balance, with colour combinations that accentuate the contrast between the dial and the counters – or their rings. The Chromalight display offers a long-lasting blue luminescence in darker environments.
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. 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.
Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 4131 extends to approximately 72 hours. As a Rolex Superlative Chronometer, the precision of the new Daytona is within −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.
Particular attention was 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, which differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the addition of a slight polished groove between each band.
The 950 platinum version 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 made of 18 ct yellow gold.
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.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing the performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding.
The new Rolex Comsograph Daytona 2023 has prices of Euro 15,200 in stainless steel (ref. 126500LN), Euro 19,650 in Oystersteel and yellow gold (ref. 126503), Euro 30,850 in yellow gold with Oysterflex bracelet (ref. 126518LN), Euro 32,350 in Everose or white gold with Oysterflex bracelet (ref. 126515LN and 126519LN), Euro 39,800 in yellow gold with matching gold Oyster bracelet (ref. 126508), Euro 42,700 in Everose or white gold with matching gold Oyster bracelet (ref. 126505 and 126509). The price of the platinum version ref. 126506 is available on request. rolex.com
Thoughts about the lugs? A detail that leaves me uncertain.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen it in the metal? Good or bad, I suggest you try it on the wrist to remove doubts.
DeleteCan you publish a comparative picture 116500 vs 126500?
ReplyDeleteYou find a comparative picture of the two references in our article History of the Rolex Daytona (check the Iconic Watches section). There is a direct link to it at the beginning of this article.
DeleteThanks. That's what I was looking for!
Delete