Grit and Glamour
Though the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is recognised today as a coveted symbol of prestige, it actually began life as a working man’s chronograph
ROLEX’S TIES with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s ‒ when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Campbell broke the speed record wearing a Rolex Oyster. A lover of Rolex watches, Campbell was often seen wearing his Rolex to races and introducing the brand to other drivers.
Rolex didn’t really produce much in the way of chronograph watches in the first half of the 20th century, but during the 1950s Rolex entered the chronograph market with the reference 6234, coinciding the opening of a speedway in Daytona, Florida, the city where Sir Malcolm Campbell set five of his nine records on the sandy beach, and indeed, the racetrack from which the chronograph would eventually find its name. It was this very city in the southwest of the United States that perhaps shaped the most iconic watch in the history of the brand, the Cosmograph “Daytona” ref. 6239, launched in 1963. Since then, the iconic chronograph has not only been a much coveted timepiece but also a synonym of auto racing.
From Campbell the King of Speed to Formula One icon Sir Jackie Stewart, legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Tom Kristensen, and multiple Grand Prix winner Mark Webber, Rolex has long been associated with heroes of the race track. Helping cement the brand’s racing credibility on-track and off, Rolex’s involvement in the world of motor sport extends beyond these remarkable individuals to its support for epic races as well including the Formula One and the sport’s most legendary event: the 24 Hours of Le Mans ‒ for which Rolex became the Official Timepiece in 2001.
Grit
Almost a century after it was first held, the race remains the ultimate test of perseverance and mechanical proficiency for the world’s most advanced sports cars. It is a challenge that the best racing drivers from across motor sport want to take on to prove their versatility in the toughest environment ‒ and its most iconic driver, Tom Kristensen, would be on the starting line on 18 separate occasions.
Throughout his career, Kristensen faced many setbacks; yet he showed these obstacles were often the impetus for his success at the highest level of sports car racing. Describing the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he says: “It is the greatest race to be a part of and it is so different every year. When you finish the race, or even if you have to retire, you always come away with something new to overcome and conquer.” For Kristensen, the opportunity to break records was not the reason for his return to Circuit de la Sarthe each year. Rather, it was a commitment to persistently enhance his performance: “To be successful you need lots of motivation ‒ the ability to not give up was key.”
Having achieved a record nine overall victories at Circuit de la Sarthe and having been a Rolex Testimonee for more than a decade. Kristensen reflects on the significance of receiving a timepiece after conquering the revered Circuit: “My Rolex watches are emotional possessions and remain as special to me today as when I was first awarded them. They tell the story of defining moments in my career; when I look at them, not only do I see precision timing, I also relive the achievements I accomplished with my team and co-drivers. I still remember each race as if it were yesterday; the preparations in the paddock, the fans around the circuit and the incredible atmosphere throughout the race weekend.”
Indeed, Rolex awards a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona to the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in recognition of the outstanding achievement and dedication displayed. The Danish racer continues, “I’m proud and humbled to be a part of the Rolex family of motor sport Testimonees. For me personally, being a Rolex Testimonee is a tribute to all the hard work, dedication and determination from all the people I have worked with. It is amazing to reminisce on our careers and our love for the sport, as well as to look ahead to the future as technology rapidly develops. That is what motor sport is about ‒ always improving and breaking down the boundaries of possibility.”
Kristensen’s approach exemplifies the notion that the journey to victory matters more than the achievement itself, epitomising the Rolex Testimonee spirit to strive for excellence through constant dedication and continuous improvement.
Glamour
Designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers, the Cosmograph Daytona remains in a class of its own among sport chronographs and continues to transcend time more than 50 years after its creation. Though Rolex may award a special 24 Hours of Le Mans edition of the chronograph to winners, civilians get to enjoy a sophisticated 18ct White Gold edition with meteorite dial.
Mineral striations on the meteorite dial creating interesting light reflections. Coming from the heart of an asteroid, the journey transforms its core, producing highly unsual metallic patterns. Designed to meet the demands of professional motorsport, its durability, and penchant for high performance now meet a luxurious ceramic bezel with engraved platinum tachymetric scale framing one of the rarest materials to land on planet Earth, making it a unique treasure among some of its most prestigious models. Ultimately, the Daytona 116500LN is a modern classic that transcends its initial conception, embracing its duality of grit and glamour with equal aplomb.