WATCHES AND WONDERS 2026 Rolex The new version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona deftly pairs the luminosity of a white enamelled dial with the metallic effect of an anthracite bezel in ceramic enriched with tungsten carbide.

Rolex presents an exclusive configuration of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in a Rolesium version, combining Oystersteel and platinum – a first for this model. Sporting a Cerachrom bezel in the colour anthracite – a new shade – with a redesigned tachymetric scale, and showcasing a white enamelled dial, the watch also features a transparent case back and a cut-out oscillating weight made of yellow gold.

The anthracite Cerachrom bezel on this new version of the legendary chronograph has a particularly striking metallic gleam. To obtain the desired effect, Rolex developed a specific type of ceramic composed of zirconia enriched with tungsten carbide, for which a patent application was filed. Moulded into the bezel, the graduation on the emblematic tachymetric scale has been restyled: the numerals are displayed horizontally, as on the original 1963 model. These ‘suspended’ numerals are inscribed in a thoroughly contemporary font.

The white enamelled dial is unique, and is a striking example of Rolex dial-making expertise. Created using the ancestral grand feu technique, it required the development of a special production process. The ‘grand feu’ (literally ‘high fire’) method is so-called because, following application of the enamel powder mixed with water, the future dial is placed in a kiln heated to over 800° C. Traditionally, the liquid enamel mixture is applied to a metal base. In the case of this watch, however, it is coated onto ceramic plates – one for the dial itself and three others for the counters – which are fitted to a brass base after the vitrification firing phase.

Fashioned from Oystersteel for the most part – middle case and bracelet – this bold creation features a case back comprising a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a platinum case back ring screwed down against the middle case. The band of metal encircling the watch’s Cerachrom bezel is also made from platinum.

The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology featuring bridges decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève and a cut-out oscillating weight. Calibre 4131 enables the Cosmograph Daytona to measure intervals of time via the chronograph function, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds.

A LEGENDARY CHRONOGRAPH Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Fitted with a high-performance mechanical movement, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals or, using the tachymetric scale on the bezel, for determining average speeds. Over time, it has appeared in gem-set versions on which the emblematic tachymetric scale is replaced with diamonds or coloured precious stones.

Through its name and functions, the Cosmograph Daytona is forever linked to the world of motor sport and, more than six decades after its launch, continues to boast unparalleled status among sport chronographs.

HIGH-TECHNOLOGY CERAMIC Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics to create certain elements of its watch cases – notably monobloc bezels and monobloc bezel inserts. Not only are these materials particularly scratch resistant, their colours are also of a rare intensity and are resistant to environmental effects. In addition, thanks to their chemical composition, the high-tech ceramics are inert and cannot corrode. The brand has developed exclusive expertise and innovative manufacturing methods that grant it complete independence in the production of these ceramic components.

The Cosmograph Daytona in a Rolesium version with white enamelled dial features a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in anthracite ceramic. The moulded, recessed graduations, numerals and inscriptions on the tachymetric scale are coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition).

THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the Cosmograph Daytona is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the version presented is crafted from a solid block Oystersteel. Its case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool employed by approved watchmakers. The Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case, as do the chronograph pushers. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.

On the version presented, the Oyster case features a transparent case back in sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, offering the opportunity to admire the detailed aesthetics of the movement.

OYSTER BRACELET AND OYSTERLOCK SAFETY CLASP The Cosmograph Daytona in a Rolesium version with white enamelled dial and anthracite Cerachrom bezel is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. Developed in the late 1930s, this three-piece link metal bracelet is known for its robustness.

The Oyster bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona is furnished with the Oysterlock fold - ing safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also includes the Easylink comfort extension link, created by Rolex, that allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

CALIBRE 4131 The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. It incorporates a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, thereby also enhancing the movement’s reliability. It is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. Calibre 4131 demonstrates carefully finished aesthetics, notably bridges featuring Rolex Côtes de Genève – a decoration that differs from traditional Côtes de Genève for the slight polished groove between each band – and a cut-out oscillating weight which, on the version presented, is fashioned in yellow gold.

Calibre 4131 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is also fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring. Manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy enabling it to withstand strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, further enhancing the movement’s shock resistance.

Calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 72 hours.

SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 and the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by independent Swiss entities and is internationally recognized.

In 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification has been strengthened with the addition of three new testing criteria: resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability. These criteria are implemented throughout the design and manufacturing stages of each timepiece – hundreds of checks and validations directly related to the watch’s performance are carried out during these phases. They supplement the criteria established when the certification was redefined in 2015 governing precision, waterproofness, self-winding and power reserve. That year, Rolex set up an exclusive testing protocol for its finished watches, conducted inside the manufacture on fully automated equipment. The precision requirements are particularly stringent: measured after casing the movement, the watch’s accuracy must be between –2 and +2 seconds per day. The rate deviation tolerated by the brand for the precision of a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

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