Rolex Daytona Model Introduced in 1963

.History.
The Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most popular Rolex models, with long waiting lists to purchase their 2016 model that debuted at Baselworld 2016. The Daytona was introduced in 1963, just a year after Rolex started their relationship with Daytona International Speedway as official timekeeper.

1962 3 Hour Daytona Continental Race Finish (photo: ISC Archives)

The watchmaker had been involved with racing for years before they began their association with Daytona. Land-speed record breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell was featured in Rolex ads in the 1930s and Rolex had been developing 'Pre-Daytona' chronographs since 1955. The chronographs they manufactured from 1955 to 1961 were met with little fanfare and were discontinued before the development of the first Daytona model, pictured below, in 1963. 
First Rolex Daytona Model, 1963 (photo: Rolex)
In the early 1970s, actor and race car driver Paul Newman began wearing the Daytona and became inextricably connected with the Rolex model ever since. Daytona models with 'Paul Newman' dials were not extremely popular at the time, but later the Paul Newman became a favorite for collectors due to their rarity and interesting art deco design features. 

The introduction of the tachymetric graduated bezel on this model made it a coveted tool for professional endurance race drivers at the time of its introduction to the market. While the majority of people on the waiting list for the 2016 model can use their smart phones to keep time, the spirit and style of the race watch makes it a coveted timepiece to this day.

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Rolex 4161 Movement

.Tech.
Caliber 4161 is a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement manufactured in house by Rolex for their Yacht-Master II model. Based on the 4130 movement used in the Cosmograph Daytona model, the 4161 movement interacts with the Ring Command Bezel to set the regatta timer built into the Yacht-Master II. 

photo of rolex's caliber 4161 movement
Rolex 4161 Movement (photo: Rolex)

35,000 hours went into manufacturing the 4161 movement. Rolex uses UV-LiGA microsystem technology to produce some of the tiny components that go into this movement. It is fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring and Perpetual rotor, both proprietary components of the watchmaker. 

This movement makes the regatta timer functions of the Yacht-Master II possible. The programable mechanical countdown features synchronization on the fly. By hitting one of the pushers, one can reset the countdown to synchronize it with the official time of the regatta, allowing skippers to take off on time and avoid penalties or delays. 

With a 72 hour power reserve, the 4161 combines innovation with functionality to create a truly superlative chronometer from Rolex.

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Rolex Cyclops Lens

.Tech.
Rolex developed and patented their Cyclops lens, the magnifying lens that is affixed to the crystal over the date aperture, in the 1950s. It was introduced on their first Datejust model in 1953 and is now used on all of their date models except for the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea. 

Photo of Rolex crystal with cyclops magnification lens
Rolex Cyclops Lens (photo: Rolex)
“To all watchmakers: we draw your attention to the fact that the watch crystal with the specially shaped magnifying lens is a Rolex exclusivity protected in Switzerland and abroad. We will not hesitate to instigate legal proceedings against any counterfeiting.” Rolex sent out this statement in 1955 warning watchmakers against replicating this innovation. As a result of this protection, their Cyclops lens has become one of the most recognizable features of Rolex date models.

The Cyclops lens was manufactured from plexiglass until the 1970s, when Rolex began manufacturing their sapphire crystals. The Cyclops was made from sapphire ever since, and more recently received another upgrade, this time in the form of an anti-reflective coating. It magnifies the date by two and a half times.

The Cyclops lens is difficult to replicate, making it a good way to spot a fake Rolex. It is also the easiest way to identify a Rolex date model from far, either in a photo or in person.

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Rolex Founder Hans Wilsdorf Dies in 1960

.History.
“Originality and quality must be our slogan for the future in every country. Every Rolex watch must be an ambassador of quality.” The legacy set forth by visionary Hans Wilsdorf lives on through the international success of the Rolex brand decades after his death on July 6, 1960 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

black and white photo of rolex founder hans wilsdorf circa 1942
Rolex Founder Hans Wilsdorf circa 1942 (photo: Rolex)

Innovation and classic style were never mutually exclusive in Wilsdorf's mind. His desire to outpace the mechanical watch industry of his time by adding utilitarian improvements to wristwatches never overshadowed the importance he placed on design aesthetic. The combination of technical advancement and reverence for beauty is still an integral part of Rolex's success.

Wilsdorf left his fortune and his company to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a trust he created upon the death of his wife, May Wilsdorf, in 1944. He stipulated that Rolex was never to become a public company and that part of his fortune be donated to charity. 

“Step boldly. Success demands courage and iron will.”

While he is no longer at its helm, Hans Wilsdorf's imprint is on every wristwatch Rolex manufactures to this day. He tied the brand to excellence and success, and through his words and his actions, guaranteed a future for the company of his creation beyond his own time on Earth.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

.Rolex Models.
Introduced in 2007, Rolex's Yacht-Master II increased the size and functionality of the Yacht-Master model that preceded it. This regatta chronograph includes a programable countdown feature with a mechanical memory developed by Rolex.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II (photo: Rolex)
Like the DeepSea Sea-Dweller, The Yacht-Master II features a 44mm case, the largest currently offered by Rolex. It contains a 4161 movement manufactured entirely by the watchmaker that works directly with the Ring Command Bezel to provide functionality for the countdown feature.

This model is unique in that it features a programable 10 minute countdown that allows the wearer, presumably a skipper during a yacht race, to synchronize with the official regatta countdown to make sure that their vessel begins the race on time. The countdown can also be synchronized on the fly, meaning if the skipper finds that the watch countdown is off when compared to the regatta countdown, he or she can quickly 'fly-back' to the regatta time by hitting the pusher in the 4 o'clock position.

Although the functionality is certainly innovative, it is safe to assume that not everyone who purchases this model is a skipper on a yacht. The appeal of the Yacht-Master II lies in its size and nautical design details. Photographed above in Rolesor, a combination of Rolex's Everose gold and 904l stainless steel, it features a blue Cerachrom bezel on all but the white gold/platinum model.

The suggested retail price for the Rolesor Everose configuration shown above (ref 116681) is 24,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $25,160 US).

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