“I have always loved the Ditonner. My watch is unrivaled and its details make it unique to Formula 1 and my race car.” Rubens Barichello isn’t the only fan of the Daytona – after all, it’s arguably the world’s most popular and beautifully crafted timepiece – but he’s one of the few people who can build his own watch one of the few people who could build his own watch.
Following in the footsteps of legendary Colombian race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who was a part-time watchmaker, Brazilian former F1 driver Barichello has teamed up with bespoke Rolex specialists Artisans de Geneve to create a unique limited edition of the Daytona: the La Barichello.
As in a car, the engine – the movement – is the most important part of any watch, and here it is on full display. The three subdial rings on the entire dial bar have been removed to showcase the redesigned 4130 caliber. The movement itself has been redesigned from top to bottom, with every possible component skeletonized and hand-beveled. The result is as effective as a Ditonne movement, but a new beast altogether.
The La Barichello features many other aspects compared to the basic Ditonne model. The sandblasted lugs and black DLC-coated chronograph pushers give the watch an edgy, modern look that incorporates the technical feel of skeletonization. In contrast to this monochromatic style, the hand-painted red glow that flashes on the chronograph counters, chronograph seconds hand and tachymeter is very much in vogue.
The final flourish was the rotor. Inspired by the decorative shapes of Barrichello’s automobiles, the 21ct gold oscillating weight is hand-beveled and polished, and the black DLC coating matches the pushers and bridges.
This extraordinary rendition of the Daytona is a departure from the original world, which was transformed by Barrichello’s automotive inspiration and obsessive attention to detail. Of course, for Rolex purists, this may be an affront to nature, but if you’re looking for a new spin on the Daytona, La Barichello has you covered.
Price: CHF 54,711
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