#TimePiece – Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona has long since transcended its status in the world of watchmaking to become an icon. Its name, inextricably linked to the famous racetrack, as well as its graphic face, have made it a legend. Yet it is at the heart of this exceptional chronograph that the true mechanics of the legend beat: a movement designed and produced entirely by the Rolex Manufacture that delivers superlative performance in all circumstances. Constantly improved and refined over time, the Cosmograph Daytona has proved to be as reliable as it is precise.

You must stay calm but you must also act and not be afraid; you must go forward courageously. Hans Wilsdorf

Movements of excellence

Behind the legendary design of the Cosmograph Daytona lies a modern story of Swiss watchmaking. Initially equipped with Valjoux movements, in 1988 the Cosmograph Daytona was fitted with calibre 4030, an adaptation of the Zenith El Primero calibre, the world’s first high-frequency self-winding chronograph movement. Rolex engineers worked to optimize this calibre – by reducing its frequency to 4 Hz – to guarantee its robustness and reliability over time. In 2000, the presentation of the Rolex 4130 calibre (which became the 4131, or the 4132 for a special version of the model, in 2023) perpetuated the quest for excellence initiated by the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf. Developed and produced by Rolex, it has proven to be particularly reliable and durable under even the most challenging conditions.

An exceptional chronograph

The Cosmograph Daytona is emblematic of Rolex’s expertise and stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability. For years, Rolex engineers worked on the design and development of calibre 4130, which was optimized to become calibre 4131 in 2023. An adaptation of calibre 4131, calibre 4132, was also launched the same year. Since its creation, the calibre, which is comprised of a minimal number of parts, has established itself as one of the most efficient and robust in the world.

On the one hand, its simplified architecture creates space for the barrel, providing a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. On the other hand, its vertical clutch mechanism guarantees prolonged operation of the chronograph without compromising chronometric precision. This is complemented by the outstanding performance of the Chronergy escapement and the Parachrom hairspring. The hermetic qualities of the Oyster case are maintained by the screw-down pushers and the Triplock winding crown, equipped with a triple waterproofness system.