May 2016

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona With Cerachrom Bezel
A legendary Swiss mechanical watch manufacturer refines their racing legacy.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

  As one of the most legendary timepieces by Rolex, their Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was created in 1963 and is said to embody a history marked by a passion for speed and motor sport. Named after motor racing's legendary Daytona racetrack in Florida and featuring a chronograph movement accurate to 1/8th of a second, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has been refined since first launch to now include the company's revolutionary monobloc Cerachrom bezel on their 904L steel models. Their Cerachron bezel was first an exclusive component appearing in 2011 on an 18 ct Everose gold Daytona before being fitted in 2013 on the 950 platinum version celebrating the Cosmograph
Daytona's 50th anniversary. It was recently announced that this innovation would also be available on 904L steel models as well.

Developed and patented by Rolex in black ceramic, their latest evolution is a blend of high technology and sleek aesthetics. Looking back at history, this black bezel reminds us of the 1965 model that was fitted with a black Plexiglas bezel insert. The new Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist. How accurate you ask? How does +/-2 seconds per day when cased. This is far superior that COSC, which years ago was a goal for mechanical timepieces.

COSC is Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the Official Swiss chronometer testing that verifies a timepieces accuracy. It generally applies to watches manufactured/assembled in Switzerland. It has been said that only 3% of the Swiss watch production meets this strict accuracy criteria. Rolex takes it a step further as COSC certification allows for an average daily rate of -4 to +6 seconds per day. Due to Rolex' watch movements having a far superior accuracy, they adhere to their Superlative Chronometer rating that far exceeds the accuracy criteria of COSC.

A key part of the Rolex Dayton's identity, the bezel is engraved with a tachymetric scale for measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometres per hour. The new monobloc Cerachrom bezel in high-tech ceramic offers a number of advantages: it is corrosion resistant, virtually scratchproof and the colour is unaffected by UV rays. This extremely durable bezel also offers an exceptionally legible tachymetric scale, thanks to the deposition of a thin layer of platinum in the numerals and graduation via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. Previous only available on the precious metals version of the Dayton such as white gold, platinum and Everose, a special formulation of rose gold, the monobloc Cerachrom is now available on 904L steel models. This special bezel is made in a single piece and holds the crystal firmly in place on the middle case, ensuring waterproofness.

Speaking of being waterproof, Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona Oyster case is guaranteed to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The fluted case back 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 – as well as the chronograph pushers screw down securely against the case. Its crown guard is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Cosmograph Daytona’s high-precision movement.

Getting back to the precision movement, the Daytona has evolved over its lifetime and now beats with the heart of the company's very own calibre 4130. This very efficient self-winding mechanical chronograph movement is entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Of note is that the number of components for the chronograph function was reduced significantly versus the previous Zenith-based version, thereby enhancing its reliability. Furthermore, this very robust chronograph movement is engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start.

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 in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It features a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. Calibre 4130 is equipped with a self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Because Rolex employs the most modern manufacturing facilities and in-house lubricants, which were extremely expensive to develop, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Swiss-made mechanical timepiece comes with a five year warranty.

Manufacturer
Rolex
Website: www.Rolex.com