Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vol. 1: Manual Winding Models (1963-1988)

COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA... a legendary name among watch enthusiasts; a name that evokes the speed and roar of car races, but is also synonymous with prestige and admiration. The origin of this myth is linked to a city in Florida, Daytona Beach, famous for its motorcycle and car races on its eponymous beach. In 1959, the Daytona 500 race was born on the Daytona International Speedway, and three years later, Rolex became the official timekeeper, marking the beginning of the story of the famous Cosmograph Daytona.

The chronograph complication and Rolex's history have always been inextricably linked. Rolex's first foray into timekeeping began in the 1930s with the very first chronograph model from the Manufacture. In 1963, Rolex launched the Cosmograph Daytona, a sports chronograph that has continued to evolve in the spirit of the brand, striving to improve existing technology and push the limits of technical feasibility.

The history and great diversity of this chronograph are such that two (independent) volumes are dedicated to it. This first volume, dedicated to manual wind models produced between 1963 and 1988, is a celebration of its illustrious history, shaped by many figures, the most famous of whom is undoubtedly the actor, philanthropist, and racing driver Paul Newman.