Introduction

It has already been 36 years since the Daytona was upgraded to automatic. In fact, It is no exaggeration to say that two movements have shaped the current Daytona. With accumulated stable technology and testing over the years, The Rolex Daytona 126500 was upgraded in 2023 with a new movement.

Cal.4030

Cal.4030
•Production period: 1988~2000•Power reserve: about 52 hours

Until 1988, The Daytona used Valjoux Cal.727, But by modifying Zenith's El Primero (Cal.400), Rolex succeeded in developing Cal.4030. This marked the beginning of the automatic winding era for the Daytona and signaled its commercial success. It is a masterpiece with unnecessary parts removed and more than half of the components changed.

Rolex daytona 16520
©Bobs watch

As is widely known, The movement frequency was adjusted from 36, 000 vibrations per hour to 28, 800, Which became the Rolex standard, Thereby increasing durability. It also passed COSC certification, Resulting in a more practical movement. The Breguet overcoil and the size of the balance wheel were increased, And the microstella nut was introduced, Among other changes. Many examples still exist, And this generation can be considered the starting point of the Daytona movement evolution, Alongside the reputation of Ref.16520.

Daytona 16520

40mm, White, Oyster

Daytona 16520

40mm, Black, Oyster

Cal.4130

Cal.4130
•Production period: 2000~2023•Power reserve: about 72 hours

While Ref.16520 equipped with Cal.4030 was selling successfully, Rolex accelerated the development of its next movement. The number of parts was drastically reduced by about 60 percent, And the internal structure and functions were improved for greater stability. The most noticeable benefit for users is the power reserve, Which increased by more than 20 hours.

Cal.4130 ©Watchesbys

In 2007, The Parachrom hairspring was developed. It became more resistant to shocks, Magnetism, And temperature changes. The blue color of the hairspring is not for design but is an oxide layer applied during manufacturing to increase durability.

Rolex Daytona 116520 ©Watchesofwales

The bridge was changed from single to twin, And a hacking function was added for precise time setting. By successfully developing this perfect in-house movement, Rolex further solidified its position at the top for 23 years, From the Steeltona (116520) to the Ceratona (116500LN). Watchmakers especially appreciate that after-sales service has become easier due to the reduced number of parts.

Daytona 116520

40mm, Black, Oyster

Daytona 116520

40mm, White, Oyster

Daytona 116500LN

40mm, White, Oyster

Daytona 116500LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

Cal.4131

Movement Cal.4131
•Production period: 2023~present•Power reserve: about 72 hours

Rolex Daytona 126506 ©The Watch Pages

This is the new movement Cal. 4131, Introduced with the 2023 release of the new Daytona. The actual movement has not yet been seen (except for Ref.126509 and 126506 with see-through case backs), But it features the “Chronergy escape wheel, ” which improves escapement efficiency by 15 percent compared to the 2015 version, The addition of Paraflex, A new rotor, And a bridge decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève rather than the traditional Côtes de Genève.

Cal.4130 ©Rolex

As before, The number of parts used has been reduced as technology advances. If it was developed based on the already proven Cal.4130, Its durability and reliability need no further explanation. It will be interesting to see how long the history of this new 4131 movement will continue.

Daytona 126500LN

40mm, White, Oyster

Daytona 126500LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

Daytona 126506

40mm, Ice blue, Oyster

Daytona 126509

40mm, Bright black, Steel, Oyster