Rolex created the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 1963, based on its extensive experience and history that it already had in producing some of the highest performing chronograph wrist watches. Today, we are looking at the latest, most advanced iteration of this iconic watch, called the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona „Oysterflex”.
We will take an in-depth look at the extensive history of Rolex chronographs in a dedicated article; for now, we will keep it short and say that the history of Rolex chronograph watches goes back all the way to the late 1930s, and it features such hallmarks in mid-20th century watchmaking such as the Rolex Reference 5034, reference 4113, or the “Pre-Daytona” Cosmograph Reference 6239.
Like some of the greatest, iconic products of our time, today’s Cosmograph Daytona (or Rolex Daytona, as it is generally called) is the result of decades of painstaking Rolex engineering and the excessive refinement of all its details. During the last half century, Rolex has proven to be extremely consistent and decidedly conservative with updates performed on the Daytona, serving as a reassurance that the Daytona stands above short-lived trends and fluctuations in global tastes.
The Daytona is an unmistakable and unquestionable icon in modern horology not simply because of its frequently copied, but never matched design, but because its stunning looks are paired with some of the most refined materials and technical solutions in Rolex engineering.
The latest chapter in the history of the Rolex Daytona began in the year 2000, when Rolex started fitting the collection with the magnificent and highly advanced Rolex Caliber 4130. A fully in-house designed and produced caliber, the 4130 is at the pinnacle of 21st century watchmaking for its remarkable complexity and yet extremely high performance and durability.
A Rolex Superlative Chronometer, the 4130 movement offers the greatest precision in any modern mechanical movement from a major manufacture. Tested to perform with an accuracy between -2 and +2 seconds per day, such extremely strict tolerations in a mechanical caliber’s performance are largely unheard of even in the highly competitive and advanced Swiss watch industry.The 4130 is more capable than the rest not just in terms of accuracy, but also power reserve. A very long, 72-hour power reserve is extremely rare in a complicated chronograph movement, and that’s especially true among movements compact enough to fit the timeless, 40-millimeter-wide case of every Rolex Daytona. The benefits of a long power reserve only become apparent once well into owning a watch: even today, most luxury watches are equipped with movements that have an autonomy between 38 to 42 hours – and to find your watch stopped and have to reset it often is bound to become a disappointing chore.
The very latest advancement for the Rolex Daytona comes with the most recent introduction of the “Daytona Oysterflex”, a remarkable combination of the timeless Daytona aesthetic with the latest development among Rolex bracelets. The Oysterflex strap allows one to pair the Daytona with the comfort and sporty looks of a high-performance elastomer strap.
Impressive Oysterflex bracelet The Oysterflex was specially developed and patented by Rolex to combine the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and looks of an elastomer strap. Interestingly, a crucial part that you will never see, but will always feel and appreciate when wearing the Daytona on the Oysterflex bracelet, is the super-elastic metal blade inside, specifically engineered to give its elastomer surroundings the rigidity and durability that other rubber straps simply do not have.
There are two more important details, both designed to further improve everyday wearability. First, the inside of both pieces of the Oysterflex bracelet have an integrated, butterfly-like piece whose duty is to keep the strap solidly affixed to the wrist, while also keeping the contact surface to a minimum, hence allowing a lighter, more airy feel.
The second notable feature is to be found in the Rolex Oysterlock clasp, crafted entirely from 18ct yellow, white or Everose gold, fitted to all Daytona Oysterflex bracelets. Inside all these clasps is Rolex’s patented Easylink rapid extension system, a clever little mechanism that allows the wearer to extend or shorten the strap by the length of half a link, or approximately 5 millimeters. This is all you need to get the fitment just right in the hottest or coldest, driest or most humid environments.
Lastly, as a final advantage associated with the Oysterflex bracelet over its leather counterparts is the largely increased durability and wearing comfort. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, as such, is an icon in modern design, timeless good taste and exceptional Rolex engineering. Paired with the novel Oysterflex bracelet, it is a tasteful, albeit daring new look, reserved for those watch lovers, who wish to enjoy the iconic Daytona aesthetic and its unparalleled refinement as a modern, refreshing package.
The Rolex “Daytona Oysterflex” is available in cases and clasps crafted from either 18ct yellow, white or Everose gold.
We at Petite Genève Petrović would be more than happy to assist you with any questions regarding the Rolex Daytona Oysterflex, or any other Rolex watch.
