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A wide angle shot of the famous race at Daytona speedway.

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

Born To Race

The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is an icon forever joined in name and function to the world of motor sport. Six decades after its creation it remains in a class of its own among sport chronographs.

A vintage 1960's Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch lying on its side, crown and pushers pointing upwards.

An iconic model introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of motor racing professionals. Fitted with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals or determining average speeds.

Synonymous with speed

On the Cosmograph Daytona, the elapsed hours and minutes are shown on the counters at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively, and the elapsed seconds are read using the arrow-tipped centre hand and the 60-second scale around the dial.

The Cosmograph Daytona’s bezel, in metal or high-tech ceramic, functions as a tachymeter. Its scale can be used to read an average speed over a given distance, based on elapsed time. This makes it the ideal instrument for measuring speeds up to 400 units per hour, expressed in kilometres, miles, or any other unit of measure.

A close shot of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch dial, showing the chronograph indicators and some of the writing on the chocolate dial.

A chronograph made for the race circuit

The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. This movement incorporates a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, thereby further enhancing its reliability. The chronograph is engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch. This enables an instantaneous and extremely precise start to the timing.

A closeup shot of the crown and pushers of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18K Everose gold. The Rolex logo can be seen on the crown, as well as 3 dots.

Superlative chronometer certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Cosmograph Daytona is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. 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. 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.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in 18K Everose gold, lying on its side with the crown and pushers pointing up. The watch features a black ceramic dial with tachymetre scale, chocolate dial, and an Oysterflex bracelet. Model #116515LN.

The place, the legend

The Cosmograph Daytona is inextricably linked to the world of motor racing. The watch pays tribute to a place – Daytona Beach, Florida – where passion for speed and racing flourished in the early 20th century. From 1903 to 1935, the hard-packed sand beach in Daytona became famous as the perfect place to beat speed records. No fewer than 80 official records were set there, 14 of which were for the fastest speed in the world.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona on the wrist of a driver. The person is using the stop/start feature of the chronograph function. The watch has a white dial and is made in Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold. Model #116503.

The Daytona International Speedway® opened in 1959, and Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the circuit ever since. A few years later, to emphasize the brand’s connection to the American racetrack, Rolex gave its new model the name Cosmograph Daytona.

Over the decades, the brand’s presence in high-octane racing has grown steadily, its support extending to the leading drivers and events worldwide. For much of this historic journey, the Cosmograph Daytona has embodied the privileged bonds between Rolex and motor sport.

A black and white aerial photograph of the Daytona Speedway, likely from the late 1950's or early 1960's.

Visit us to discover first-hand the Cosmograph Daytona

As an Official Rolex Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

The Rolex logo in gold on a wall.