At Watches & Wonders 2023, Rolex released an all-new, updated version of the Cosmograph Daytona in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Le Mans: the reference 126529LN. Instantly coveted, the “Le Mans” Daytona (a nod to the original name of the Daytona and honoring Rolex’s ties to racing) featured the updated movement and case architecture of the new standard production Daytonas, with a cheeky red flair to the ‘100’ on the bezel and matte white Art-Deco style subdials so evocative of the legendary exotic, “Paul Newman”-style dials of manually-wound Daytonas. Additionally, it was fitted not with the new caliber 4131, but the 4132, replacing the 12-hour counter for 24 hours – another clin d’oeil referencing the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

But less than a year later, Rolex would prove once again that the watch community shouldn’t take anything for granted. They would abruptly discontinue the reference 126529LN, resulting in an extremely limited production run.

Aside from the vintage racing twists on the design, the 126529LN also bears the hallmarks of the new generation of Daytonas: the new “perpetual” rotor, a sapphire caseback, metal-edged ceramic bezel, and redesigned case.

Offered in virtually worn condition, and retaining all of its original accessories, this is the first instance of the 126529LN “Le Mans” to appear at public auction since its release and discontinuation (at the time of printing). As opportunities to acquire the watch at retail are no longer an option, this is one of the few chances to acquire this exquisite modern chronograph that looks to the past whilst it steps into the future.