It’s got a special movement
Next in our tour of this Rolex dial, please direct your attention to the subdial at 9 o’clock. You’ll notice that it measures up to 24 hours. That’s different from other Rolex Daytonas which only go up to 12. Of course that’s appropriate for the Le Mans race, which lasts 24 hours, and it also gives this model much more substance since it required technical tweaking and not just an aesthetic treatment.
This movement is called the 4132, and it’s a variation of the still-new 4131, one of the brand’s big announcements this year, powering the new generation of Cosmograph Daytona watches. Like the platinum Daytona for 2023, this model also features a display caseback so you can admire the movement with its 18k yellow gold rotor. The display caseback is unusual for Rolex, but offering a new technical feature for a special edition is even rarer.
This is no reissue
It should be noted that, while elements like an “exotic” dial pay tribute to vintage models, this is a modern Cosmograph Daytona through and through. It features the basic design of the current collection with a 40mm case and Oyster bracelet. With all the Paul Newman Daytona hype, Rolex has been keeping this release up its sleeve — and it’s about as close as we can expect to a reissue from the brand.
It’s in white gold
The steel versions of the Daytona and other Rolex sport watches are what tend to be the most sought-after. Does that make this one any less exciting? Hell, no.
One reason the steel models are popular is that they have that pragmatic, down-to-earth feel. White gold essentially achieves the look of the Daytona that everyone wants, but its luster and weight will make it feel even more special in person.
