In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex has introduced a striking new Cosmograph Daytona that evokes the spirit of vintage models favored by the late actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. Unlike the astronomically priced Paul Newman Daytonas at auction, this limited-edition release is priced at $51,400—assuming collectors can secure one.
A Design That Honors Racing Heritage
Unveiled during the centenary running of Le Mans, the 18k white gold timepiece features a reverse panda dial, a ceramic tachymeter bezel, and a bold ”100″ marker at 7 o’clock—a subtle tribute to the race’s milestone. The watch builds on Rolex’s Watches & Wonders 2025 novelties while incorporating unique motorsport-inspired details.
Precision Engineering Under the Hood
Powering the new Daytona is the Caliber 4132, an upgraded movement that extends the chronograph’s hour counter to 24 hours—a direct reference to Le Mans’ grueling endurance race. Rolex highlights the movement’s Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers, and Geneva-striped bridges, ensuring both precision and durability.
The Paul Newman Connection
Though Rolex hasn’t explicitly named Newman as inspiration, the design echoes the ”Paul Newman” Daytonas—highly coveted vintage models that have fetched millions at auction. Newman, a devoted racer and Rolex collector, famously wore his Daytona during the 1995 Rolex 24 at Daytona, where his team secured a podium finish.
Limited Availability, High Demand
As with most Rolex limited editions, securing this model will be a challenge. While production numbers remain undisclosed, the watch is expected to become an instant collector’s item. Given Newman’s passion for both racing and Rolex, it’s safe to say he would have been among the first in line.
