It was already in the air, given that its 60th anniversary is being celebrated this year, that one of Rolex's novelties would be the Daytona. A new movement? A new Paul Newman dial? A green dial? There has been much wild speculation on the net, but the answer has finally arrived. Let's see what's new.
First of all, the case has been redesigned in favour of more refined and tapered lines on the sides, while retaining its 40 mm dimensions. Unchanged is the water resistance to 100 metres and the Triplock crown. Available in various versions (steel, two-tone, yellow gold or Everose or platinum), in most models the Daytona has a Cerachrom bezel, but now with a thin rim made of the same metal as the case middle.
The dials have also been slightly redesigned, with greater colour contrast between the background and the counters, which now have thinner rings. The new platinum version has an ice-blue dial and a brown Cerachrom bezel. The Oystersteel version with a white lacquered dial and the yellow gold version with a gold-plated dial and black counters, on the other hand, have a black Cerachrom bezel. The hollowed graduations, numerals and tachymeter scale inscriptions are coloured by platinum or yellow gold deposition using the PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technique.
And then, as in the best of predictions, the new calibre finally arrived: the automatic 4131, an evolution of the 4130 calibre that incorporates some of the main innovations Rolex has made to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement and the blue Parachrom balance spring.
The bridges of Calibre 4131 feature a côtes de Genève Rolex decoration, which differs from the traditional ones in the presence of a thin polished groove between each striation. And, for the first time, only the platinum version can be admired through a sapphire crystal case back. Exclusively on the platinum model, the oscillating weight is made of yellow gold.
The new Daytonas are fitted with an Osyter bracelet, with the exception of the yellow gold version, which is combined with an Oysterflex bracelet.
Pricesfrom 15,200 euro to 42,700 euro. For the platinum version, the price is on request.
