Looking back at the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, which was introduced to the world in 1963 and according to Rolex, stands in a class of its own among sport chronographs.
The rich history behind this Oyster-cased mechanical chronograph Rolex dates back to WWII and evolved through the 50’s and 60’s with its multi-purpose design. The concept and technology behind this refined timepiece was to track speed over a given distance with its chronograph functions that are activated by pushers that screw down like the winding crown.
Through the years, Rolex made approximately 500 of this style per year until 1961. It was at this point that they dropped the chronograph reference and it became known as Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Named for the famed Daytona 500, as it quickly became a necessity on the track.
Even after the rename, this model wasn’t very successful until the early 20th century when the passion for speed and racing flourished and was cemented in 2013 by becoming the Global Partner and official timepiece for Formula 1 racing.