The year 2023 marks a pivotal moment in the history and myth of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest and most prestigious endurance motor race, held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Because the next edition, scheduled for the weekend of 10 and 11 June, is number 100 (the first took place on 26 May 1923).
Since 2001, Rolex has been linked to the event as the Official Watch of the race but also through its partnership with Danish driver Tom Kristensen. Winner of this competition nine times and testimonial of the brand, Kristensen will take on the role of ambassador for the centenary edition.
At 4pm on Saturday 10 June, Rolex will start the 24-hour countdown to this year's highly anticipated race. Among the 62 cars on the track will be the new Le Mans Daytona (LMDh) hybrid cars and many of the biggest names in the sport, including defending champions, No. 8 Toyota Gazoo Racing. Seeking its sixth consecutive victory, the Japanese brand will compete alongside four of the world's leading manufacturers - Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot and Porsche - in the premier Hypercar class.
Jenson Button, Rolex Testimonee and 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion, will also race as co-driver at Le Mans in a NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entered in Garage 56, dedicated to special and innovative cars: "I am thrilled to be joining the Garage 56 line-up. It will be an incredible challenge and a privilege to be at the 100th anniversary of Le Mans in such an unusual car, alongside some of the greats of the sport.
This race is all about time, so competing as part of the Rolex family this year will be particularly special. Every driver should try endurance racing. It's about working together and developing each other into the best possible driver for the overall success of the team.
For the winning crews, who will compete in some of the most challenging conditions around the 13.626-kilometre track, a special watch: a Cosmograph Daytona with the case back specially engraved for the centenary of the race.
Closely linked to the world of racing, this chronograph, which celebrates its 60th birthday this year, owes its name to one of the most important automobile races that took place on the famous American loop circuit, sponsored at the time by Rolex.
