The Rolex Daytona

Rolex has strong connections with sports of many kinds and the Daytona is a case in point. The name Daytona immediately makes one think of Daytona Beach, Florida and the race track.

Since 1991 Rolex has sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race, with winning drivers receiving a watch.

Chronograph

Unlike many Rolex watches, the Daytona features a chronograph (which is not the same as a chronometer). This is designed for elapsed timing, a feature obviously required by those in the sporting field - especially auto racing drivers.

As well as the three small chronograph dials, the current Daytona range also features a tachygraph bezel for estimating speed.

Paul Newman

The Daytona really shot to fame when it became assoctaited with the actor Paul Newman. Exactly how this happened is unclear.

The most popular theory is that Newman wore a Daytona during the 1969 movie "Winning". However there seems to be little evidence to support this - that film was, thankfully, made before the days when product placement led to three-second close-ups of branded goods.

Another theory is that Newman wore the watch when photographed for the cover of a glossy Italian magazine.

However the association began, the Daytona became known informally as the "Paul Newman watch". (Although, strictly speaking, the appellation refers to a few specific configurations.)

The Daytona Today

Today you can buy the Rolex Daytona as part of the Oyster Professional collection. It is known as the Cosmograph Daytona, a trademarked name that presumably makes sense to the Rolex marketing department. The current models on the market vary from a plain steel strap and white dial through to a white gold and diamond stuuded model with a blue leather strap.

In the unlikely event that I had a choice, I think my favourite would be the elegant 116528 in 18 carat yellow gold with black dial and champagne counters.

This site is not associated with or endorsed by Rolex
Contact an authorised dealer for prices and availability
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners

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The Rolex Daytona Rolex has strong connections with sports of many kinds and the Daytona is a case in point. The name Daytona immediately makes one think of Daytona Beach, Florida and the race track. Since 1991 Rolex has sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race, with winning drivers receiving a watch. Chronograph Unlike many Rolex watches, the Daytona features a chronograph (which is not the same as a chronometer). This is designed for elapsed timing, a feature obviously required by those in the sporting field - especially auto racing drivers. As well as the three small chronograph dials, the current Daytona range also features a tachygraph bezel for estimating speed. Paul Newman The Daytona really shot to fame when it became assoctaited with the actor Paul Newman. Exactly how this happened is unclear. The most popular theory is that Newman wore a Daytona during the 1969 movie "Winning". However there seems to be little evidence to support this - that film was, thankfully, made before the days when product placement led to three-second close-ups of branded goods. Another theory is that Newman wore the watch when photographed for the cover of a glossy Italian magazine. However the association began, the Daytona became known informally as the "Paul Newman watch". (Although, strictly speaking, the appellation refers to a few specific configurations.) The Daytona Today Today you can buy the Rolex Daytona as part of the Oyster Professional collection. It is known as the Cosmograph Daytona, a trademarked name that presumably makes sense to the Rolex marketing department. The current models on the market vary from a plain steel strap and white dial through to a white gold and diamond stuuded model with a blue leather strap. In the unlikely event that I had a choice, I think my favourite would be the elegant 116528 in 18 carat yellow gold with black dial and champagne counters. This site is not associated with or endorsed by Rolex Contact an authorised dealer for prices and availability All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Clocks-Watches-Time / Watches / Makes I-Z / Rolex / Daytona / All original material copyright © Trevor Mendham 2005-2008. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Please read the site terms of use		Clocks Watches Celebrity Famous Makes A-H Makes I-Z Invicta JLC Longines Luminox Mondaine Oris Panerai Patek Philippe Poljot Rado Rolex Daytona Oyster Perpetual Submariner Yachtmaster Seiko Skagen Tag Heuer Timex Tissot Toywatch Vacheron C. Mechanics Types Store Time Time & Motion More...