The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona of 2013 is in a platinum case for the first time (Reference: case: 116506, bracelet: 78596). Its ice blue dial is complemented by the chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel in ceramic. Photo: © TANG Portfolio, at BaselWorld 2013

In America’s music recording industry, an album that has sold one million copies will be given the Platinum award in recognition of its popularity. This is based on criteria set by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) whose members create, manufacture and / or distribute around 85% of all recorded music produced and sold in the United States legitimately.

In the world of horology, watchcases made of platinum are typically reserved for high-end timepieces worthy of such a noble material which is said to be 30 times rarer than gold.

That by itself says much for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona of 2013 which comes in a 950 platinum case for the very first time (Reference: case: 116506, bracelet: 78596).

The 2013 Cosmograph Daytona in its 40mm diameter case is special because the model was first launched in 1963 or 50 years ago and it is only right to create an exceptional “anniversary” timepiece for a collection inextricably-linked to motor racing at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, USA.

The first 24-hour endurance race at Daytona started in 1962, one year before Rolex launched its Cosmograph Daytona. The race was known as the “Daytona Continental”. Today, it is known as the “Rolex 24 at Daytona”. Rolex has been the race title’s sponsor since 1992.

The dial of the 2013 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is “ice blue”, a colour reserved only for their timepieces in platinum. Another distinguishing feature is the chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel (in ceramic) with the tachymetric scale.

Powered by the in-house Calibre 4130 automatic movement with column wheel chronograph which is chronometer-certified, it incorporates Rolex’s blue Parachrom hairspring.

 

 

Did you know? The first pieces made in 1963 only had dials bearing the Rolex branding and the text “Cosmograph”. Over time, “Oyster”, “Perpetual”, “Daytona” and “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” were added onto the dial.

Interestingly, guess which iconic sports car was also launched in 1963?

It was the Porsche 911. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 (1963 to 2013), the German marque has produced a limited edition: the 400hp 911 Carrera S Anniversary Edition coupé featuring a flat-six rear engine and rear-wheel drive.

Porsche celebrates 50 years of its iconic 911 (1963 to 2013) with the 400hp 911 Carrera S Anniversary Edition coupé which sprints from zero to 100 km per hour in 4.5 seconds. Photo: © Porsche

As for auto-sport racing in Daytona, tradition lives on for the winners of the different races as they are rewarded with Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas in steel.