With the exhibition is taking place this time at the Bon Marche to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Daytona is in the spotlight. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona for the good name was born in 1963. 50 years later, it embodies the absolute watchmaker myth.
Origin
Before the arrival of this watch brand Rolex, Daytona was primarily a place, a place of power, which was exploited till speed records. It is like an automobile race which quickly became a legend.
It is on the beach in Daytona, Florida, that the history of Daytona system takes its source. This broad band of hard, flat and spinning straight over 35 km sand, became one of the most mythical of the conquest of speed and racing sites.
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Incredible mechanical feats earned global impact in Daytona title as the world capital of speed. The tradition of Daytona racing is perpetuated from the Daytona International Speedway circuit, temple of speed built in 1959 as one of the world’s first Super Speedway. In this gigantic amphitheater of modern times 4 km in circumference, held annually auto totally prestigious competitions such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This 24-hour endurance race, who became a U.S. during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is considered by the most experienced pilots as one of the toughest in the world.
In fifty years, the Cosmograph Daytona has created its own myth. By the mid 1960’s, he erected trophy winners at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The Very first models
It was in 1959 that Rolex is associated with the American Daytona International Speedway, designed to accommodate endurance races, and becomes sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona. The Rolex 6238 will serve as inspiration for the development of future shows Daytona; so much as it was called by some “pre-Daytona”.
The Daytona name appeared for the first time on a Rolex ad from 1964 for the English market under the chronograph reference on the dial, only to be moved over the counter at 6:03 years later.
The career of Rolex never mapped out. The first model Rolex Cosmograph 6239 is a chronograph 37mm case with tachymeter and subdials at 3,6 and 9 o’clock. Its buttons are pump. Inside beats a Valjoux movement. Hallmark of Cosmograph includes three dials are designed in a color different from that of the dial for optimal visibility. The 6239 was produced until 1969, as the reference 6241 from 1966 to 1969.
Indeed, it is in 1969 that the film turns – with Paul Newman Daytona with an exotic dial-out to grip on screens and a great success. The legend tells that this movie would have spent the watch on the wrist of the brand ambassador, and it is from this that some models have thus received the nickname, which is not anything official.
Although initially these models to specific dial-called “Paul Newman”, their side has quickly grown to become the largest market Rolex watches with impressive records in auctions .
It seems that the most expensive sale on Daytona Paul Newman took place for a version of the 6239 Albino said that is to say with the counters of the same color as the dial. This rare model would have been awarded 505,000 dollars to Eric Clapton in 2008.
In 1965, the screwed pushers make their appearance on the Cosmograph with 6240, it will be manufactured until 1969, with the 722 movement. The advantages of these buttons are precious, and the pushers indeed prevent accidental starting of the chronograph function in risk situations. These are the pushers and winding crown new 700 series that helped put on the dial of this model appears mentions Oyster such a certification attesting to the sealing of the watch.
At the time, the size of this watch is considered too large and can be as disabling for armhole shirt, his aesthetic did not necessarily please either; sales are mixed.
The 70s saw happen two new references that will be produced respectively one and two years: 6262 and 6264 with the new 727 caliber beats at 19,800 vibrations per hour and more accurate than the previous ones.
Beginning with Cosmograph Daytona
In 1988, a renewed interest leads Daytona evolve technically as aesthetically. It would even, in fact, an explosion of fame! Is it really due to implicit recommendations of the man of taste that was Gianni Agnelli, head of Fiat and avid Daytona, who made the cover of a famous magazine? Daytona fever has spread in any case these years, circa 1985, never to fall.
Manuals chronograph disappear Rolex Daytona in favor of “Perpetual” and lay the foundations of modern Daytona. The movement has then used a Zenith El Primero base, major reference in the world of watchmaking, Rolex significantly alters since 50% of components are replaced by specific elements and designed for these movements. Rolex implanted example on its own motion Rotor 4030.
Size level, the case goes to 40 mm and incorporates a shoulder protection of the crown. Dial, tachymeter bezel, significant elements of the model are modernized.
Meanwhile, the market Daytona, in some ways a “victim of its success is scarce.” Indeed, not content to be driven by politicians, celebrities and therefore not only the personalities of car racing, the Daytona is not produced and waiting lists grow shops visibly. This phenomenon was probably caused also to create some scarcity is still relevant and it is also one reason why the coast of Daytona never fall.
The 2000s with the advent of Rolex
The Watch Cosmograph Daytona is signed with the brand name Rolex.
Made from 290 components – much less than a standard chronograph – the 4130 caliber is admired by its amazing simplicity. And technological challenge does not stop there. Over the years Rolex will develop and patented many innovations such as the Spiral Parachrom or alloy Everose.
In 2013, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this timeless and legendary watch that we are all able to recognize at first glance and that is so desirable for watch enthusiasts, Rolex released a unique platinum model. It is the reference 116506, designed from 950 platinum and incredibly beautiful colors.
The Rolex Daytona remains a tribute to the passion of sports and crowned brand intends to make to continue. Indeed, in addition to the sponsorship of the Rolex 24, unique race of its kind in North America race, Rolex supports the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest and most prestigious automobile race in the world.
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