Rolex is known for its restrained approach to surprises, but when it does surprise, Roger Federer is often in the mix. For instance, last year saw the launch of a new white-gold Daytona to mark the 100th anniversary of Le Mans. This surprise release quickly became one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated watches of 2023. Featuring a dial inspired by a classic vintage model and a bezel adorned with a red ‘100’ to celebrate the milestone, the Daytona set high expectations. Now, at this week’s US Open, Federer, though no longer on the tennis court, has once again made waves by unveiling an even more dazzling and eye-catching version of that model.
Federer’s privileged position as a long-time Rolex ambassador means he has unparalleled access to the brand’s collection, including its most sought-after releases. Last year, while hosting the Met Gala, he debuted the Perpetual 1908, Rolex’s new line of elegant dress watches that had just been launched a month earlier. This week’s event marks the first public appearance of the yellow-gold version of the “Le Mans” Daytona, adding to its allure.
The yellow-gold Daytona has been an open secret in the watch community since Watches & Wonders in April. Rolex is known for releasing certain models discreetly, and the “Le Mans” Daytona appeared with little fanfare, making its debut without official imagery or announcements. Despite this, it was widely regarded as one of the standout releases from the fair. Now, it’s finally being showcased publicly on Federer’s wrist.
So, what makes this watch stand out? The Daytona is already one of Rolex’s most prized models and highly sought after worldwide. Among its most coveted versions are the vintage models featuring an “exotic” dial, characterized by full-white subdials and retro lettering. These designs are inspired by the vintage “Big Red” model. For example, a Paul Newman version of this reference sold for an impressive $5.48 million at auction in 2020. Additionally, the new Daytona features a modified movement to track time over a full 24-hour period, fitting for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While the white-gold version of this Daytona was already impressive, the yellow-gold iteration enhances its appeal even further. The bold use of yellow gold combined with the classic sport watch design results in a truly exceptional piece. Hopefully, Federer’s debut of this model is just the beginning, and we can look forward to seeing more of these remarkable watches in the future.
