Frankly, we’re hard-pressed to think of any other watch brand aside from Rolex that can send its fans into paroxysms of delight simply by outfitting one of its existing models with a new bezel. At Baselworld 2016 last month, the brand lifted the lid on its two new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona models, one with a white dial and black accents, and one with a black dial with silver details.
Both models are outfitted with Cerachrom bezels, which were first developed and patented by Rolex in 2005. The numbers and markers (in this case, of the tachymetric scale) are engraved on Rolex’s own ceramic material, and the bezels are heated to temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, so as to harden and purify the material.
The bezels are bombarded with platinum (or gold, depending on which model the bezel is being used for), which coats the numerals and graduations. The excess platinum is removed by diamond-polishing. The result: A virtually scratch-proof and UV-resistant watch-face frame that is handsomely legible.
Measuring 40mm in diameter, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is powered by the COSC-certified calibre 4130, and has an official retail price of CHF 11,800 (S$16,630).