Rolex Daytona Celebrating the 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 2013, I found myself in a quiet living room with my newborn daughter, who was restless and unable to sleep. As the night wore on, I tuned into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event that commands attention despite my personal preference for Formula 1. The dedication required to follow such a lengthy race is unique, yet the excitement it generates is undeniable. 
Rolex Daytona Reference 126529LN
Last Saturday, I attended a local watch gathering with around 50 other enthusiasts and collectors. During the event, news broke about the new Rolex Daytona celebrating the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Surprisingly, while everyone enjoyed exploring a remarkable array of vintage and modern watches, the buzz around the new release seemed muted. However, social media erupted with excitement, and the new Rolex Daytona “24 Hours of Le Mans” quickly flooded my feed.
Design and Features
The new Rolex Daytona ref. 126529LN, crafted in 18ct white gold, features a striking new dial configuration and a red ceramic “100” on the tachymetric scale. This watch introduces a new movement: the caliber 4132. Unlike its predecessor, the 4131, this movement replaces the 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock with a 24-hour counter, specifically designed for the endurance of the Le Mans race. With this special Daytona, you can time the entire event – provided you can acquire one before the next race.
Like the platinum Daytona introduced earlier this year, the 126529LN boasts a transparent case back. Its caliber 4132 includes a yellow gold rotor and intricate Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges. Aside from the 24-hour register, the specifications mirror those of the caliber 4131.
Availability and Demand
The introduction of the clone Rolex Daytona 126529LN during the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a surprise, executed with Rolex’s usual discretion from https://www.replicaimitation.com. This watch is likely to be produced in limited quantities, following the trend of other Daytona models. The standard stainless-steel Daytona retails for €15,100 but is notoriously hard to obtain. The previous steel model, the 116500LN, is available on the pre-owned market for around €30,000. Given the anticipated scarcity of the new white gold Daytona, it may remain elusive for a considerable time. Though the price isn’t listed on Rolex’s website, unofficial reports suggest it will be around €42,000, excluding VAT.
While the Daytona’s appeal is evident, its inaccessibility can be disheartening. Personally, I find myself more excited about the prospect of new bi-color or gold Rolex GMT-Master II models with Jubilee bracelets.
Rolex’s Special Editions
Rolex has been increasingly introducing special editions, capitalizing on significant events like the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although meeting the high demand remains a challenge, the creation of unique models demonstrates Rolex’s commitment to its legacy. While I may not be the biggest fan of modern Daytonas, this new white gold version may resonate as a grail watch for many enthusiasts.
Celebrating the Winners
The 100th race was clinched by the No. 51 Ferrari AF Corse, witnessed by over 325,000 spectators. The winning drivers – Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi – were presented with replica Rolex Daytona Cosmographs by Tom Kristensen, a past winner of the event. This gesture underscores the Daytona’s significance within the racing world.
