Rolex Daytona - How To Use The Chronograph | Bob's Watches

Rolex released the Daytona in 1963. While it took some time for the model to become a success, it is now one of the most popular watches in the Rolex catalog. Part of what launched the Daytona into infamy was its favorability with actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. He was known to wear his beloved Daytona gifted to him by his wife quite regularly, which ultimately sold at auction for a staggering $17.8 million.

The Daytona was famously named after the iconic Daytona Speedway in Florida, of which Rolex became the official timekeeper in 1962. 1962 was also the same year as the first Rolex 24 at Daytona race.

Its design set includes a chronograph movement with stopwatch capabilities that can measure events up to 12 hours, coordinating registers on the dial, and a Tachymeter bezel calibrated to 400 units. The wearer can use the chronograph function and Tachymeter bezel to measure both distance and speed, making it an invaluable motorsport tool.

During its infancy, the Daytona was powered by hand-wound Valjoux movements and featured a smaller 37mm case and an acrylic crystal over the dial. This generation is distinguished by 4-digit reference numbers and saw many advancements such as screw-down pushers and increased water-resistance.

The second generation features 5-digit reference numbers. Powering this series is the Zenith “El Primero” automatic movement. The case grew to 40mm in diameter, received crown guards, and replaced the acrylic crystal over the dial with scratch-resistant sapphire.

That brings us to the third and current generation of the Daytona, which features 6-digit reference numbers. Launched in 2000, the third generation is also the first instance of a self-winding Daytona movement developed and produced entirely in-house via calibre 4130. It also marks the transition of the Daytona from aluminum to Cerachrom – aka ceramic – bezel inserts.

Depending on the year produced, the modern Daytona might also feature Chromalight lume on the dial. This celebrated material glows bright blue for up to 8 continuous hours and remains stark white during the day.

The current generation of Cosmograph Daytona watches also features superior 904L-grade Oystersteel, a Triplock waterproof screw-down crown, an Oysterlock clasp with a 5mm Easylink extension system, and the option of either a metal or Oysterflex bracelet.

The Daytona Dial:

At the center of the dial are three hands: standard hours and minutes and chronograph seconds. When the chronograph is stopped, the coordinating seconds hand does not circle the dial. Standard seconds are displayed on a sub-dial at either 9 o’clock on vintage and Zenith references or 6 o’clock on modern 6-digit references.

The remaining sub-dials display chronograph hours and minutes. Elapsed minutes are presented at 3 o’clock, while elapsed hours are located at either 9 o’clock for modern references or 6 o’clock on vintage and Zenith references.

How to use the Chronograph:

The first step is to unscrew the chronograph pushers. This step will gain the wearer access to the stopwatch function within the movement. It’s important to note that the case is only waterproof while the pushers are completely screw-down down. Unless you are accessing the chronograph movement, do not keep the pushers unscrewed.

To start or stop the chronograph, press the top pusher. To reset back to zero, press the bottom pusher. Pressing the top pusher will pause and resume the chronograph function while timing an event. Once you are finished timing, press the bottom pusher to reset the chronograph back to zero. To completely reset the chronograph, the wearer must first stop it by pressing the bottom pusher.

To measure speed via the Tachymeter bezel, the chronograph functions also need to be engaged. Calculating speed is simple. First, start the chronograph function. Once you have traveled one mile, press the bottom pusher to stop. The central seconds hand will display your speed on the bezel.

To measure distance, you will need to maintain the same speed during the entire event. Press the top pushers to start the chronograph. When the seconds hand points to your current speed on the bezel, you have traveled one mile.

[richard-mai]

I couldn't understand how to read a chronograph after watching this. Highlighting or pointing out what you're talking about would help.

[TomNimmo]

Thanks, easier then I thought. I'll probably still go with the day date double click, just what I'm used to. I'm looking though, considering something different. Also A little more water proof then what I'm used to might be the best feature I could gain

[michaelturner]

The tachymeter also predicts factory production rates. Eloquently presented with animated diction.

[asifbhoy]

The video is good for someone who already knows everything about the functions of Daytona. However, for others, you could have made the video a little longer by speaking more slowly to explain things better. Everyone who came here would still have watched the entire video.

[AZEOforreal]

The panda will be introducing itself into my collection here soon!

[roger]

Just picked up the rose gold chocolate stick dial oysterflex strap... and I’d a super gorgeous rare piece...

[DrFernandoHidalgo]

A watch that defines an era 🙌🏻. Love the new set. Great video and very informative.

[ldjucb]

I think one more thing you should point out is that you will NEVER use this function.

[vrabostowshopper]

2:39 why does the minute hand of the chrono move to 1 min about 0.5 sec late? The seconds hand has already passed the 60 mark, and the minutes hand has not fully moved to 1 minute... genuinely asking if thats an issue.

[roadtrekralph]

You mentioned elapsed minute hand but didn't provide an example of how to read the elapsed minutes or hours. Can you direct me to Youtube video that really shows how to use the chronograph feature? Specifically how to read the elapsed hours and minutes.

[coconut-wtuw]

Why doesn't my chronograph second's hand moving? The 6 o'clock chronograph is just staying still. Plus it doesn't reset to 0 after pressing the 4 o'clock button.

[melody]

On the gold one the serial number isn't centered. I sincerely doubt it is fake but that was weird to see.

[Itsnealnotmeal]

The cadence and speed of the presenter sounds like a flight attendant announcing airplane safety instructions. I learned nothing.

[dallasfields]

I dont like how she pronounces "chronograph" and "tachymetre".

[slyfox]

You said on modern watches the seconds hand is in the 6 o’clock position but you’re wrong it’s the at the 9! Please update with corrections. Please do not lie to the viewers at home. It’s distrustful and absurd. Do better