ROLEX @ From Daytona To The Cosmograph Daytona A Passion For Speed Exhibition

ROLEX presents "From Daytona To The Cosmograph Daytona A Passion For Speed Exhibition" in Hong Kong recently. Created in 1963, the emblematic model COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA is celebrating 50 years of history in 2013 marked by a passion for speed and motor sport thanks to its reliability and performance. A selection of COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA watches was showcased to demonstrate the exquisite craftsmanship of the collection as well as its extraordinary track record in the world of motor racing.

A time tunnel showcased the remarkable milestones that Oyster Perpetual COSMOGRAPHE DAYTONA which has gone through in the past 50 years of heritage. Valuable historical information and items will be exhibited to show the legacy of this most well-known model and the Daytona races, where visitors can experience the most memorable moments at the race track.

The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is the consummate Rolex chronograph. Judging by the success and outstanding reputation worldwide of this peerless alchemy of form and function, it is considered in many respects to be the ultimate chronograph.

In 1963, Rolex launched a new-generation chronograph, the Cosmograph, dedicated to racing drivers. The singular name invented by Rolex immediately marked it out as a very different new model with an equally innovative style. The Cosmograph evolved in 1965 with the launch of a version that introduced screwdown chronograph pushers instead of the pump pushers found on the original model. The screw-down pushers brought the finishing touch to the Oyster concept, and prevented the pushers from being manipulated accidentally. In testimony to its reinforced waterproofness, the name “Oyster” was inscribed on all the dials in addition to “Cosmograph”. Another new feature came in the form of a black Plexiglas insert for the tachymetric bezel. The white graduation increased legibility yet again.

New dials were introduced, expanding the range in the early years. One special version would become famous as the so-called “Paul Newman” dial, since the renowned American film star – who was also a racing driver and an icon of masculine style regularly wore a Daytona with that particular dial. The design of his favourite dial increased legibility of the chronograph functions under difficult race conditions. In 1988, the new calibre 4030 was introduced. Among other features, a Rolex “heart”- an oscillator with a variable inertia balance wheel, Microstella regulating nuts and a hairspring with a Breguet overcoil as well as a self-winding module with a Perpetual rotor invented by the brand in 1931. The model’s update went far beyond technical features. The redesigned aesthetics formed the basis of the Cosmograph Daytona’s imposing and elegant appearance today. Introduced by Rolex in the year 2000, the new Cosmograph Daytona like the first Cosmograph in its time embodied the chronograph of the future.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cosmograph Daytona in 2013, Rolex introduced the first Oyster model in the Professional range to be offered in platinum, the noblest of precious metals, fitted for the occasion with an ice blue dial, exclusive to Rolex platinum models. It is also equipped with a spectacular monobloc Cerachrom bezel, an exclusive Rolex innovation with exceptional resistance properties and incomparable aesthetics.