Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

History of the Cosmograph Daytona. Rolex was not among the pioneers in chronograph watch development. It was not until 1937 that Rolex introduced its first chronograph models. Unlike most Rolex watches which used in-house movements, the first Rolex chronographs used Valjoux manual winding movements. This may have in part contributed to the lesser popularity compared to their Oyster and Perpetual series of watches.

In 1960, Rolex gave its chronograph line a major facelift with the introduction of the Cosmograph. Comograph is a Rolex trademarked term for its own version of the tachymeter scale. The difference being that the tachymeter scale is printed on the bezel rather than on the outer rim of the dial.

Rolex Comograph Daytona model 116523

In 1961, Rolex released a version of it 'Cosmograph' named after Daytona Beach, Florida, home of some of the biggest names in auto racing. The Daytona grew in popularity after it had been seen being used by actor Paul Newman in the late 60's. Paul Newman continued to be seen wearing Daytona watches into into the new millennium.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model 116528 ("Paul Newman" Edition)

In 1991 Rolex finally released the new version of the Daytona. They had abandoned the Valjoux movement in favor of a Zenith movement. Finally, in 2000, Rolex launched a Daytona with a in-house Rolex movement. With that, the true "Rolex" chronograph was born.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Is a conventional chronograph watch power by Rolex's COSC certified self-winding 4130 movement. This movement produces 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 72 hour power reserve. The creation of the 4130 movement was a significant event for Rolex, since it meant that all their watches now featured in-house movements.

Rolex Comograph Daytona model 116509

The case is 40mm wide and is water resistant to 100 meters. One note about the pushers or buttons. To ensure the 100 meter water resistance, you have to screw down the pushers. You cannot use the chronograph function while under water. This is unfortunate since Omega's Seamaster Professional Chronoraph and Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronographs can be used under water at their rated 300 m and 600 m depths.

There is some debate as to whether the locking down the pushers is necessary to achieve the 100 meters water resistance, or whether the watch is resistant to 100 meters with the pushers not locked down for as long as you do not operate under water. We think, it is simply best to lock them down all the time that you are not using the chronograph function.

The Daytona is one of the more expensive watches in Rolex's line-up. The all stainless steel models have a suggested retail price of over US$9000, and the gold and white gold models pictured above have a MSRP of about 30K.

About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.