Rolex has never had a special series in its catalogue dedicated to an event or anniversary that was not of the brand. This is a fact known to enthusiasts.
Well, that is no longer true. With the launch of the new Daytona dedicated to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a taboo of the company falls. And who knows if it will remain unique. What is certain is that an original way has been chosen to pay homage to the race, of which Rolex has been a partner since 2001.
The Cosmograph Daytona, the chronograph that even in its name claims its connection with the world of motor racing, for the 100th anniversary of the most challenging of endurance races is sporting a new movement, an evolution of the calibre 4130 presented less than two months ago in Geneva.
In fact, on the Daytona 126529 LN, we find that the hour counter no longer stops at 12, but can now total up to 24 hours of timing. This is achieved thanks to the introduction of an epicycloidal gear train, which, in a very small space, is able to reduce the gear ratio until the hand of the hour counter makes one rotation in 24 hours.
Two other elements that make this watch special are: the dial, which partly echoes that of the Paul Newman Ref. 6241, and the tachymeter scale, engraved on the black Cerachrom bezel. At around 7 o'clock, we discover that the 100 units per hour index is made of red ceramic. Naturally, in homage to the 24 Heures du Mans.
As luck would have it, 24 hours after the Daytona 126529 LN was launched (on 10 June, to coincide with the start of the race) it was a Ferrari 499P that crossed the finish line first, in the year of Maranello's return to competition after half a century of absence. A record that makes the centenary edition even more special.
The watch is not in a limited series, but no one will be surprised when this white gold chrono, priced at over 42,000 euros, reaches five times its value. And not in a very long time. Who would venture to bet otherwise?
Dody Giussani
