Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Platinum

In 2013, Rolex is introducing a new prestigious version of the Oyster Perpetual COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA, the emblematic model launched in 1963, exactly 50 years ago this year.

This legendary chronograph is proposed for the first time entirely in 950 platinum, the noblest of precious metals. It is equipped with a chestnut brown monobloc CERACHROM bezel and an ice blue dial.

A key part of the COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA’s identity is its CERACHROM ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale, making the watch the ideal instrument to measure average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometres per hour. The numerals and graduations are perfectly legible thanks to the deposition of a thin layer of platinum via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process.

The 40 mm diameter OYSTER case of the Rolex Platinum COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA (reference 116506-0001) is waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of 950 platinum. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool exclusive to Rolex watchmakers.

The winding crown, fitted with the patented TRIPLOCK triple waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. It is protected by a crown guard that forms an integral part of the middle case. The pushers also screw down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire.

The Rolex COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA is equipped with the Calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a column wheel entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all Rolex PERPETUAL movements, the 4130 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests.

Its design and quality manufacture provide peerless precision and reliability. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue PARACHROM hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the PARACHROM hairspring offers great stability when exposed to temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise in case of shocks than a traditional hairspring.

This new Rolex COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA Reference 116506-0001 is fitted with a solid-link OYSTER bracelet in 950 platinum, with an OYSTERLOCK safety clasp that prevents accidental opening.

The clasp also features the ingenious Rolex-patented EASYLINK rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.

Technical details

Model: Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA in Platinum
Reference: 116506-0001
Bracelet reference: 78596

Case
Type: OYSTER (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, winding crown and chronograph pushers)
Diameter: 40 mm
Material: 950 platinum, polished finish
Case back: Screw-down with Rolex fluting
Bezel: Chestnut brown monobloc CERACHROM in ceramic, engraved numerals and graduations coated with platinum via magnetron sputtering
Winding crown: Screw-down, TRIPLOCK triple waterproofness system
Crown guard:  Integral part of the middle case
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Water-proofness: 100 metres (330 feet)

Movement
Calibre 4130, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch
Bidirectional self-winding via PERPETUAL rotor on ball bearing
Precision officially certified Swiss chronometer (COSC)
Oscillator Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4Hz)
Paramagnetic blue PARACHROM hairspring
Breguet overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold MICROSTELLA nuts
Traversing balance bridge
Jewelling: 44 rubies
Power reserve: Approximately 72 hours

Functions
Centre hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o’clock
Chronograph (centre hand) accurate to within 1⁄8 of a second
30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock
Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Dial
Colour: Ice blue
Counters: Chestnut brown lacquer, 18 ct white gold border
Hour markers: Highly legible CHROMALIGHT appliques (long-lasting luminescence) in 18 ct white gold
Hands: CHROMALIGHT hands in 18 ct white gold

Bracelet
Type: OYSTER, three-piece solid links
Material: 950 platinum, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges
Clasp: Folding OYSTERLOCK safety clasp
EASYLINK 5 mm comfort extension link