Rolex is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with an original version of its chronograph.

This Daytona Le Mans Anniversary Edition has been launched by Rolex precisely during the Le Mans race —that’s taking place right now (June 11th and 12th, 2023) — to which it pays homage.

The 2023 Rolex Daytona Le Mans Anniversary Edition Ref. 126529LN is available in 18K white gold, with a few key features distinguishing it from the other new Daytonas, which Rolex launched earlier this year. First, is Paul Newman-style counters, which have squares printed on the end of the hash marks. Second, is the number “100” which is highlighted in red on the black ceramic tachymeter bezel, alluding to the race’s 100th anniversary. Last, is a new movement, caliber 4132, which allows the chronograph counter to run for a full 24 hours — thanks to a new differential — just like the race.

Though this is not officially listed as a limited edition, like with the Rolex Submariner Kermit 70th Anniversary, it unofficially marks an anniversary and will be produced at lower quantities than the core models.

Above you can see the new differential which allows the chronograph counter to run for a full 24 hours, as opposed to a 12-hour elapsed time limit with every other Daytona. And below, you can see this watch has an open caseback, a feature that’s otherwise reserved for the 2023 platinum Daytona, which was released earlier this year. Although, the platinum Daytona is powered by the new 2023 Rolex caliber 4131, whereas, as mentioned above, this model is powered by the even newer caliber 4132.

The Rolex Daytona Le Mans Anniversary Edition (Ref. 126529LN) retails for $51,400.

 

Photos by Rolex.