JAKE'S DAYTONA TAKE

PANDA MYSTERY

JAKE'S DAYTONA TAKE

Rolex made some major/minor changes to their exalted Daytona models at watches and wonders, and I noticed the superb graphics (seen below) on Instagram from @RolexByKell which perfectly illustrate the differences between the outgoing and incoming models. As we see below, Rolex made the 5 minute markers MUCH skinnier, as well as the making the hands skinnier. 

My personal preference is that I like the fatter hands and markers MUCH better on the outgoing Reference 116500LN!!! Why? I think the fatter hands and markers give the watch a more masculine vibe, which to my way of thinking is more masculine and bold. I also like the thicker/fatter subdial rings. It is interesting to note that the new model seems to have a glossier white dial, kind of like the retro stainless Daytona model with a white porcelain dial...

Rolex also made the case a few millimeters larger, and added a metal chamfered edge on the bezel which I like very much, as it should make the bezel sturdier by protecting the ceramic bezel from damage. That being said, the new 'Panda' does not look as bold as the outgoing model. Actually, this change is a retro move to take it back to the origins when it was a Zenith Daytona, which had the skinnier hands, makers and subdials, which Rolex changed when them moved the Daytona to an in-house movement.

DAYTONA OYSTERFLEX
 GLIDELOCK INNOVATION

Captain Danny mentioned to me that Rolex really pushed the envelope for its 60th Anniversary of the Rolex Le Mans DAYTONA model by adding their GLIDELOCK system (pictured below) to their OysterFlex bracelet on the yellow gold Daytona. This represents the first time in Rolex history that Rolex has offered the GLIDELOCK system on a Daytona.

Rolex shared the following:

Among the versions of the new-generation Cosmograph Daytona introduced this year, the one in 950 platinum, recognizable by its ice blue dial, is fitted on an Oyster bracelet. The variant in Oystersteel as well as the yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), both of which sport a white lacquer dial, are also fitted on this bracelet. The 18 ct Everose gold version – with a bright black dial and Sundust counters – is similarly offered on an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet remains the most universal in the Oyster Perpetual collection and is known for its robustness.

The new version in 18 ct yellow gold with a golden dial and bright black counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Developed by Rolex and patented, this innovative bracelet is made up of two flexible, curved metal blades – one for each of the sections – overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.

The Oyster bracelet and the Oysterflex bracelet of the Cosmograph Daytona are both equipped with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. The Oyster bracelet features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. On the version in 950 platinum and that in 18 ct Everose gold, the bracelet also includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity. The Oysterflex bracelet, for its part, is furnished with the Rolex Glidelock extension system. Developed by the brand and patented, this inventive mechanism with a rack located under the clasp cover enables fine adjustments of the bracelet length, without the need for tools. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oysterflex bracelet has six notches of approximately 2.5 mm, allowing the length of the bracelet to be adjusted easily up to some 15 mm.

NEW DAYTONA MOVEMENT
 REFERENCE 4131
THIS BEAUTY IS A BEAST

Rolex created a super-innovative new movement that will be exclusively found in all new Daytona models, which carries a Caliber Reference of 4131 as seen below in all its magnificence.


Rolex says of this new movement:
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 4131
The new-generation Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4131, a chronograph movement unveiled this year, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. It incorporates a chronograph function with a reduced number of components, thereby also enhancing the movement’s reliability. It is engaged by a robust mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch, allowing an instantaneous and extremely precise start. The bridges of calibre 4131 feature a Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration, which differs from the traditional Côtes de Genève by the addition of a slight polished groove between each band.
Calibre 4131 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. The hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. The oscillating weight is fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
Calibre 4131 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 4131 extends to approximately 72 hours.

The Cosmograph Daytona is now equipped with calibre 4131. This new chronograph movement, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, is an evolution of calibre 4130. Unveiled in 2023, it incorporates a number of the major inno- vations that Rolex has brought to its movements, including the Chronergy escapement to, among other purposes, reduce energy loss, Paraflex shock absorbers to protect the heart of the movement, and an optimized ball bearing to enhance self-winding.
Calibre 4131 also features a new aesthetic for the brand: a cut- out oscillating weight and, on the bridges, an exclusive Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration – a reinterpretation of an iconic finishing in traditional Swiss watchmaking.

The photo below shows the new Caliber 4131 Rolex Movement in the Platinum 'Playtona' Daytona which features an exhibition case-back, which showcases this magnificent new workhorse movement.