“I have always loved the Daytona. My watch is incomparable, with details that make it unique to Formula 1 and my car.” Rubens Barichello isn’t the only fan of the Daytona – it is, after all, arguably the world’s most sought-after fine timepiece – but he is one of the few who can create his own.
Following in the footsteps of legendary Colombian racer Juan Pablo Montoya, who worked as a part-time watchmaker, Brazilian former F1 driver Barichello worked with custom Rolex specialists Artisans de Geneve to create a unique limited edition Daytona: La Barichello.
Just as in a car, the engine – the movement – is the most important part of any watch, and here it’s on full display. The three subdial rings on the entire dial bar have been removed to show off the redesigned 4130 movement. The movement itself has been redesigned from top to bottom, with every possible component skeletonized and hand-chamfered. The result is a Daytona movement that works just as well, but is an entirely new beast.
There are many other aspects of the La Barichello that distinguish it from the base Daytona model. The sandblasted lugs and black DLC-coated chronograph pushers give the watch an edgy, modern look that blends into the technical feel of the skeletonization. In contrast to this monochromatic style, the flashes of hand-painted red on the counters, chronograph seconds hand, and tachymeter really pop.
The final flourish is the rotor. Inspired by the shapes of Barrichello’s car decorations, the 21ct gold oscillating weight is hand-chamfered and polished, with a black DLC coating to match the pushers and bridges.
This extraordinary rendition of the Daytona is a world apart from the original, transformed with Barrichello’s automotive inspiration and obsessive attention to detail. Of course, for Rolex purists, this may be an insult to nature, but if you’re looking for a new spin on your Daytona, La Barichello has you covered.
Price: CHF 54,711
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