Rolex launching a new Daytona in white gold

Rolex Marks 100 Years with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race

During this year's Watches & Wonders event, Rolex unveiled a brand new interpretation of their highly popular Daytona chronograph series. The changes, significant by Rolex standards, included several minor adjustments to the case, dial, and movement.

Now, just three months later, the Swiss giant surprises us with a new special edition of the model, honoring the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, offering a few more delightful surprises.

Ref. 126529LN

Rolex used to be predictable when it came to product launches. The company adhered to Baselworld and, more recently, Watches & Wonders to release their annual novelties, without making major deviations outside the trade show season. The undisputed leader in luxury watches has also not been in the habit, in modern times, of launching special editions in collaboration with other brands or partners.

However, since the appointment of Dufour as CEO, the company seems to have stepped out of its previous sphere, and more and more often, they make small adjustments or launches that deviate slightly from what we have come to expect. The introduction of the Deepsea Challenger in new materials, far outside the typical release schedule, and the open case back on several models are just a few examples in this regard.

Today, another unexpected announcement came as Rolex quietly launched the Cosmograph Daytona 126529LN. It follows the same overall design as its siblings but offers several unexpected changes. The white sub-dials against the black dial and the "100" marking in red on the bezel are the obvious differences, but a closer examination reveals that the hour counter now extends to 24 hours, which is highly appropriate, rather than the usual 12. Also, take note of the classic squares on the sub-dials' various markers, a clear nod to the old "Paul Newman" editions.

The news comes with both a white gold bracelet and case, further setting it apart from the existing models in the current lineup, as none of the gold bracelet variations come with a ceramic bezel insert. Turning the watch over, you will find an open case back, which was previously exclusive to the platinum version during Watches & Wonders.

The sapphire crystal on the case back provides a glimpse of another small novelty, namely the calibre 4132. It shares all the important technical characteristics with its close siblings, the 4130 and particularly the 4131, but is a slightly modified version that allows the chronograph's hour hand to display the time from 12 to 24 hours. Similar to the 4131, the movement offers a significant leap in finishing, including a skeletonized rotor in rose gold and Rolex's own version of Côtes de Genève on the bridges.

In summary, the special edition Rolex Daytona is visually very appealing and offers several small details that discerning enthusiasts will appreciate. The launch also breaks many "unwritten" rules, including the clear inspiration from watches of a bygone era. This is something we rarely see from the brand with the crown logo, which almost always stays the course and looks forward.

AVAILIBILITY

The model is not specified to be produced in any predefined limited quantity, but expect it to be very difficult to obtain through your local authorized dealer.

If you still have the opportunity to purchase it, the current price is a substantial 57.000 USD. In return, you will own perhaps the most beautiful Daytona available in the current catalogue.