Watches & Wonders 2021: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with new meteorite dials
5 min read
We believe it takes time; even for a timekeeper, to be successful. Launched in 1963, the ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Though the traction on the Cosmograph Daytona only picked speed by the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. The last decade especially after the famed Newman chronograph going under the hammer at a ridiculously exorbitant price, the demand has been exponential. The famed Daytona became rare. The irony of the newly launched Cosmograph, is that it’s been fitted with a dial made from metallic meteorite – a rare natural material from outer space. The former ones with the earthly dials where never on the shelf, we dread to think if these will have the same fate for the numerous individuals, who are lined up, shouting “Take my money”!!
Saving grace or not, fortunately there are 3 variants to the new ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona, for 2021. The version in 18 ct white gold is fitted with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a tachymetric scale, and an Oysterflex bracelet. The other two watches, one in 18 ct yellow gold and the other in 18 ct Everose gold, have a metal bezel with a tachymetric scale and are on an Oyster bracelet. A stand-out visual feature of the ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona since its launch, the iconic tachymetric scale is moulded into the first watch’s Cerachrom bezel and engraved on the metal bezels of the other two versions.
The new versions of the ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona are equipped with calibre 4130, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
ROLEX Metallic meteorite is rare and challenging to work with, but once it is cut intothin sections and a chemical treatment is applied, the great beauty of its interwoven internal structure is revealed. These fascinating and varied formations are known as Widmanstätten patterns. For its dials, Rolex works with leading experts in the field and selects only the sections of meteorite with a particularly well-formed surface rich in different shapes and reflections.
The new 18 ct white gold Cosmograph Daytona features a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic with a tachymetric scale. The moulded, recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). Not only are these materials virtually scratchproof, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. We don’t know how the tensile strength of this Cerachrom is to accidental hard knocks.
Cosmograph Daytona’s 40 mm Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct white, yellow or Everose gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Triplock triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, along with the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof ROLEX Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement. If any of you out there have taken a plunge into the pool with your existing Daytona’s, do give us a shout. Dinner’s on us.
The movement. To all the collectors, enthusiasts and the plethora of ‘fan-boys’ who we’ve interacted with, over the years, we never seem to see anyone much discuss their movements. Is it because they’ve never done an exhibition case-back. We doubt. But in our opinion, Rolex’s movements are one of the finest in mechanical watchmaking. Time tested, refined over decades, equipped with new-age materials, they are a delight. They let you enjoy your watch, without you having to bother with the precision or other glitches, which are somewhat prominent with other “manufacture” brands movements. In hospitality, when you are served without the overbearing presence of being served, that’s ‘True Luxury’. The same applies to Rolex in context with their movements. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerance by the brand.
So while all the chauffer driver ‘bosses’, speed towards this new hysteria, let’s see how many actually land up getting the same. After all, all’s fair in Love, War and Rolex.
