![]() In 1992, Rolex became the title sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona, making official an association that had already become legendary. To emphasize the brand’s connection to the American racetrack, Rolex named the model the Cosmograph Daytona. When the Cosmograph, designed for racing drivers, was introduced, it naturally became the supreme prize awarded to the winner. From the first editions of the races, the champion driver won a Rolex in addition to the trophy, not sure what he values more today. Legendary racing drivers such as Sir Malcolm Campbell, world land speed record breaker, proudly wore a Rolex. Rolex became the Official Timepiece of the Daytona International Speedway. Thus, the race and the watch were practically contemporaries with their destinies inextricably linked. The first edition of this race, under the name of “Daytona Continental”, took place in 1962, a year before the launch of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. This innovative approach brought about the “Rolex 24 at Daytona”, earlier known as “24 hours of Daytona”, the 24-hour car endurance race, a yearly event. The creation of the Daytona International Speedway in 1959 heralded new high standards for racing tracks. Campbell raised the bar the following year with Bluebird – the name he gave to all his cars – at 207 mph (333 km/h) Today, Daytona is considered in the United States to be the “World Center of Automobile Racing”. Motor racing have seen its beach since 1903 and many world land speed records have been broken here. The name of the model comes from the city of Daytona, Florida, also a legend in itself. Rolex created the timepiece in 1963 and the proven track record of half a century has beyond doubt made the “Daytona” the most coveted chronograph in the world. ![]() It is indeed a commendable feat of accomplishment for a model to be hailed an icon and to rule the hearts of collectors for almost 60 years. Well, this certainly calls for an exploration of the past to trace the story of a timepiece, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, that will celebrate 60 years of its successful existence in 2023. The pinnacle of this association is summed up in the iconic and much sought out crown today – The Daytona. Rolex is one of the best-known brands that has an inseparable link with the world of car racing. Thus began a parallel that would merge fine automobiles and fine watches and forge new relationships. ![]() History has it that Hans Wilsdorf introduced the crown to the world way back in 1905, around the same time when the German and American automobile industries were on the rise.
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