Rolex Daytona History: 6 Key Models of the Rolex Daytona | SwissWatchExpo [Rolex Watches]

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is the watch most pursued by collectors. Launched in 1963, the Daytona has a long, colorful history, and a wide range of models, that make it so interesting to collect and delve into.

We've chosen 6 key models of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, and explain how it defined the history of the iconic chronograph watch.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Christies.com for all Daytona photos pre-1988.
Paul Newman Tribute for Paul Newman's photo.

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Transcript:

From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: The Rolex Daytona. 6 Key Models that defined its history.

Rolex has produced iconic and remarkable watches, that are sought after by collectors and casual wearers alike.

However, it can be said that there is no other watch more pursued by collectors… than the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

Launched in 1963, the Daytona has a long, colorful history ; and a wide range of models, that make it so interesting to collect and delve into.

Today, the Daytona’s models number in the hundreds!

We can’t cover them all, so we’ll trace the history of the Daytona from then and now, with 6 milestone models.

Did your favorite Rolex Daytona models make it? Stay tuned, to find out!

Rolex actually started producing chronograph watches as early as the 1930s, which were then called, just Rolex chronographs.

In that decade, Rolex produced chronograph wristwatches, like these, with single push buttons to start, stop, and reset the watch.

In 1955, Rolex introduced a manual-wind chronograph with the Oyster case, reference 6234 (six-two-three-four).

This watch featured a tachymeter scale on the outer ring, and a telemeter scale on the inner ring.

These early iterations would become the basis of the Rolex Daytona.

The “Pre-Daytona” reference 6238 (six-two-three-eight) is considered the father of the Rolex Daytona, as this is where it started to take its now iconic form.

Monochromatic dials, baton hands, and the removal of the telemeter scale, then used to measure distances, resulted in a much cleaner look.

This model is powered by the The Valjoux Calibre 72 chronograph movement.

It did not yet have the Oyster case, nor the screw-down crown and buttons that’s part of the Daytona’s design today.

In production until 1967, it coincided with its updated version, reference 6239 (six-two-three-nine).

Speaking of the 6239 (six-two-three-nine) – did you know that it’s actually considered the first ever Rolex Daytona?

Even though it wasn’t even called a Daytona back then, this model marked the period where Rolex finally categorized, and named their chronographs.

Why is this considered the first Daytona, then?

The changes made to this model gave it the sporty, ruggedly elegant look, that the Daytona has become famous for.

First, Rolex switched to inverse colors for the sub-dials, from the reference 6238’s entirely monochromatic dial.

Then, the tachymeter scale was moved from the edge of the dial, onto the bezel.

Initially, the bezel was graduated up to 300 units per hour. Later on changed to 200 units per hour.

Rolex sponsored the 24 hour race at the Daytona International Speedway, and this led to the watch being named the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, in 1964.

The following year, the name “Daytona” finally appeared on its dial.

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Now, this isn’t a particular model, but a style that’s familiar to any Rolex fan. The exotic dial Rolex Daytona.

Produced by Singer, a well-known watch dial manufacturer of the era, the exotic dials had very distinctive features.

Most noticeable are the outer track and matching sub-dials, and block hour markers instead of lines.

Notice also the seconds sub-dial beside 9 o’clock. It’s marked at 15-30-45-60 -- instead of the 20-40-60 marking in the standard models.

While they were first considered undesirable, the exotic dials gained popularity through legendary actor and racer Paul Newman.

He wore the design in every appearance, that it eventually became known as the “Paul Newman” dial.

It has since become sought after by collectors; and is now even more valuable than standard dial Rolex Daytonas!

Even with all the updates to the reference 6239, or the first Daytona, it still used pump-style pushers that offer less water resistance.

In 1967, Rolex introduced reference 6240 (sixty-two-forty). This time, with screw-down style pushers.

Even with all the updates to the reference 6239, or the first Daytona, it still used pump-style pushers that offer less water resistance.

In 1967, Rolex introduced reference 6240 (sixty-two-forty). This time, with screw-down style pushers.

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Видео Rolex Daytona History: 6 Key Models of the Rolex Daytona | SwissWatchExpo [Rolex Watches] канала SwissWatchExpo