Rolex’s “Special Commemorative Edition” Daytona commemorates what?
On June 11, 2023, Rolex launched the “Special Commemorative Edition” Daytona , model 126529. This new Daytona 126529 was launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529
"Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529, platinum case , platinum bracelet , and movement through the bottom. It is the second Daytona with a transparent movement in the current Daytona series , after the platinum ice blue. In addition to the transparent bottom, the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 is close to the antique Daytona "Paul Newman" on the dial, and there are also changes in the movement functions. Today, let’s take a look at the “special edition” Daytona and what’s so special about it. Start below.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529
What does the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona commemorate?
The Le Mans Endurance Race is a racing competition on the Le Mans circuit in France. The Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race requires cars to run continuously for 24 hours. In the end, whichever car completes the most laps in 24 hours will be crowned the champion. A racing car with three racers driving in turns. The event began in 1923, and today, 2023, marks its 100th anniversary. Rolex is a partner (official timekeeper) of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so Rolex launched the “Special Commemorative Edition” Daytona 126529 to commemorate the 100th anniversary.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529
It can be seen that Rolex is a sponsor of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and if you win, you will be given a Rolex as a prize.
There are generally two types of racing cars in the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race (two major categories, the subdivisions of which are not covered yet). One is the prototype group and the other is the GTE group. The prototype car group is a car specially designed for the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race. It is a specialized racing car, so it is called a prototype car; the GTE group is a car modified from mass-produced sports cars such as Ferrari, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin. Two types of racing cars compete at the same time, running mixedly on the same track, and each calculates their own results. I found photos of these two racing cars. They are both Porsches, so you can see clearly at a glance.
Le Mans Circuit
Porsche, Le Mans prototype race car
Porsche, Le Mans GTE race car
How similar is the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona to the antique Daytona "Paul Newman"? . a little bit.
The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529, in appearance, absorbs some characteristics of the antique Daytona "Paul Newman". "Paul Newman" dial refers to a dial design that appeared on Rolex antique Daytona 6239, 6241, 6263 and other models from 1963 to 1987. The characteristic is that the small chronograph dial uses a "small square" scale, and the time scale and timing scale are located on the outer ring of the dial. It uses a black and white contrast color dial. It was named after actor Paul Newman wore it.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 (left) and Rolex Daytona 6241 "Paul Newman" (right).
From Rolex's new "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona, you can see that the dial is black and white panda color, and the white small counter uses "Paul Newman's" iconic "small square" scale. Above the small seconds dial at 6 o'clock is a red DAYTONA , coupled with a black bezel, the appearance has the charm of an antique Daytona 6241 "Paul Newman". On the tachometer scale of the ceramic ring, the number 100 is painted red to highlight the 100th anniversary.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 (top) and Rolex Daytona 6241 "Paul Newman" (bottom)
In addition to the above details, in terms of overall design, the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 is consistent with the new generation of Daytona that has been updated this year. For example, the outer edge of the ceramic ring has a metal edge. The edge material is the same as the watch case, which is 18K white gold. The time scales on the disk are new and slender time scales. None of this has changed.
Rolex's "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529, the bezel is wrapped, and the 100 scale on the bezel is red.
The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona once again has a transparent movement and slight changes in movement functions.
At the beginning of this year, Rolex launched the Daytona 126506 with a platinum shell and ice blue face, which was the first time a Daytona had a transparent bottom. And now, following closely behind, this “special commemorative edition” Daytona 126529 has become the second transparent Daytona. The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 uses Rolex 4132 automatic chronograph movement. 4132, a model that has never appeared before. Previously, Rolex chronograph movements have always been 4130 and this year’s upgraded version 4131. What is the situation with 4132 on this watch?
The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 has become the second transparent Daytona.
The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona's 4132 movement is actually based on the 4131 movement with a small change. The original 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock on the dial of the 4130/4131 movement was changed to a 24-hour counter. To echo the 24-hour race duration of the Le Mans endurance race. Because of this small change, the new number 4132 was used. In other aspects of the movement, the 4132 movement is consistent with the 4131 movement currently used in the new Daytona. Things like blue niobium hairspring, Chronergy escapement, upgraded ball bearing automatic rotor (increased number of balls), and 72 hours of power have not changed. In order to cooperate with the transparent bottom, the 4132 movement also uses an all-gold automatic rotor.
The "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona uses the 4132 automatic chronograph movement.
It feels good to see it through for a while, and it feels good to see it through all the time?
For other famous watches , showing through the bottom is a very common thing. But for Rolex, it is a very rare thing. From ancient times to the present, almost all Rolexes are opaque, except for a few models such as the Prince. But this year, the Perpetual 1908, platinum Ice Blue Di, and this “special commemorative edition” Daytona are all revealed. Through the bottom, it is now a "magic weapon" of Rolex. Because Rolex attaches great importance to the continuation of history, it is difficult for the watch's appearance design to undergo "tremendous" changes, and it can only change the dial paint every year. And the trick of showing through the bottom is very eye-catching. It can be seen that once Rolex opens a hole through the bottom, there will be the first one, the second one, and the third one. In the future, Rolex may have more and more transparent watches. But everyone knows that the bottom is a double-edged sword for Rolex. If it is less transparent, everyone will take it seriously; if it is more transparent, no one will be surprised.
Rolex "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529
Finally, the domestic price of the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 has not been announced, but the overseas price is 42,407 euros, about 327,644 yuan. This "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona is not limited, but the production is definitely rare, and the actual price has skyrocketed. But we should also note that the overall market for luxury watches has been declining recently. It remains to be seen how high the actual price of the "Special Commemorative Edition" Daytona 126529 will be.