Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vol. 1 (English)

COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA… a legendary name among watch aficionados, one that conjures up montages of speed, engines and sound, but also synonymous with prestige and admiration. The origin of the myth is linked to a city in Florida, named Daytona Beach, famous for its sea- side motorcycle and car races. In 1959, the Daytona 500 race was born and three years later, Rolex was appointed official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway – heralding the story of the legendary Cosmograph Daytona.

The chronograph complication and the history of Rolex have always been inextricably linked. Rolex’s first foray into measuring time began already in the 1930s with the Manufacture’s very first Oyster chronograph model. In 1963, Rolex launched the Cosmograph Daytona, a sports chronograph that has perpetually evolved ever since, reflecting the spirit of the brand that has consistently striven to improve existing technology, always pushing the boundaries of technical feasibility.

The history and diversity of this chronograph is such that two (independent) volumes have been devoted to it. This first volume, dedicated to hand-wound Daytonas produced between 1963 and 1988, is a celebration of its illustrious history shaped by numerous individuals – although if we were to single out just one, it would definitely be Paul Newman.