The most desirable sports chronograph
It was in 1955 when Rolex introduced their first hand-wound chronograph, the ref. 6234. Although it had an Oystercase, it wasn't referred to as a Daytona. Eight years later the company launched their first Chosmograph model, the ref. 6239. After two more years, the name Daytona was officially used for their chronographs. The name derives from the famous Daytona Beach Road Course. A track that held the first stock car race back in 1936. On this very track the prestigious Daytona 500 race was taking place. If you were part of NACAR by then, this was the ultimate race to win. Entangled into race cars, the Daytona was starting to become one of the most desirable watches. Not at last because of the legend himself: Paul Newman. You may remember his name from the well-known auction at Phillips in 2017 were his very own Daytona was sold for over 15 million CHF.
Chosmograph Daytona by Rolex
The material which adorns the dial of these new Cosmograph Daytona watches – metallic meteorite – comes from an asteroid that exploded millions of years ago. On the voyage between planets, fragments of this natural extraterrestrial material, primarily composed of iron and nickel, cool by a few degrees Celsius every million years, creating unique, distinctive crystallization within the material that is impossible to recreate on Earth. Metallic meteorite is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut into thin sections and a chemical treatment is applied, the great beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed. These fascinating and varied formations are known as Widmanstätten patterns. Depending on the version, the Cosmograph Daytona is fitted with either a three-piece link Oyster bracelet, or with an Oysterflex bracelet, both of which are equipped with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. These bracelets are additionally fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.
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