To mark the 100th Anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Motor Race, Rolex presents a special edition Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona model.
Rolex is the Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001. This new Daytona (reference 126529 LN-0001) in 18 ct white gold with distinct design features and a specially developed movement evokes this legendary race.
Measuring 40mm in diameter, the Oyster case has a Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic edged with a fine band, also in 18 ct white gold. On the tachymetric scale, the number 100 in red ceramic is a reminder of the race’s centenary.
The recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions on the tachymeter bezel are moulded then coated with a thin layer of platinum via a PVD process – apart from the number 100, which is filled with red ceramic.
The sunray-finished black dial with white counters is inspired by the highly sought-after Paul Newman dial. In this special Daytona, the chronograph register at 9 o’ clock can be used for counting up to 24 hours, instead of 12-H. The dial also hosts a small-seconds at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock.
Water-proof up to 100 meters, Daytona 126529 LN features sapphire crystal front glass with AR coating and an exhibition case-back featuring sapphire glass and hermetically-sealed case-back ring with fine fluting. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers.
The Daytona reference 126529 LN 0001 comes fitted on an Oyster-type bracelet in 18 ct white gold with ceramic inserts.
Rolex Calibre 4132
This special edition timepiece houses Calibre 4132, an evolution of the Rolex Cal. 4131 that powers the recently launched new generation Cosmograph Daytona.
Equipped with the signature features like Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers, this new self-winding movement comes with a 24-hour chronograph function instead of the model’s usual twelve.
On the new version of the Cosmograph Daytona, the hours of the chronograph function are counted over twenty-four hours – instead of the model’s usual twelve – by means of an additional, patented mechanism made up of seven components. This gear reduction system (epicyclic reducer) halves the rotational speed of the gear train that turns the 24-hour hand.
Thanks to the brand’s immense expertise in engineering, Rolex integrated this specially developed device without any slight alteration to the movement’s architecture. In fact, the mechanism simply replaces a transmission wheel, and its operation does not affect the performance of calibre 4132 in any way.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, Calibre 4132 sports new finishes and decorations, including bridges embellished with Rolex Côtes de Genève. The cut-out oscillating weight in 18 ct yellow gold is equipped with an optimized ball bearing.
Moreover, this movement with chronograph function features a reduced number of components, thereby also enhancing the reliability. It is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. The power reserve of the movement is about 72 hours.
Like all Rolex watches, this special version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona comes with the Superlative Chronometer certification.
In the 100th anniversary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex is also offering a special edition Daytona for the winning divers of the race.
Technical details
Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 24 Hours of Le Mans 100th Anniversary Edition, Reference 126529 LN 0001
Movement
Calibre 4132, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch
Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration
Oscillating weight in 18 ct yellow gold
Precision: −2 /+2 sec./day, after casing
Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
Rolex overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
Traversing balance bridge
High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Chronergy escapement with optimized energy efficiency
Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel
Jewelling: 47 rubies
Power reserve: Approximately 72 hours
Functions
Centre hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o’clock
Chronograph via centre seconds hand
30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 24-hour counter at 9 o’clock
Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Exterior
Case
18 ct white gold
Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, winding crown and pushers)
Integral crown guard
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 12.20 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Middle case: 18 ct white gold, polished finish
Bezel: Monobloc Cerachrom in black ceramic edged with a band of 18 ct white gold, with tachymetric scale; moulded, recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition); number 100 in red ceramic
Case back: 18 ct white gold and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; Screw-down with fine fluting
Winding crown: Triplock in 18 ct white gold, screw-down, triple waterproofness system
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
Dial
Bright black, gloss, sunray finish; intense white counters
Hour markers in 18 ct white gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Hands in 18 ct white gold, black lacquer marking on hour and minute hands
Highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow) except for centre seconds hand and counter hands
Bracelet
Oyster, three-piece solid links
18 ct white gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts
Oysterlock folding safety clasp
Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)
Bracelet reference: 78HA09 Oyster
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
Guarantee
International five-year guarantee
