The 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will once again ignite the passion of motor sport enthusiasts around the globe. A true test of endurance, precision, and engineering mastery, this legendary race has long stood as the pinnacle of automotive competition. Since 2001, Rolex has proudly served as the Official Timepiece of Le Mans, honoring the relentless spirit and split-second timing that define this iconic event.
At Polacheck’s Jewelers in Calabasas, that same dedication to performance and precision is reflected in every timepiece. Just as Le Mans pushes the limits of speed and stamina, Polacheck’s celebrates craftsmanship that endures - where legacy, excellence, and the thrill of innovation converge.
The 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that celebrates endurance and motor sport excellence, takes place on 15 and 16 June 2024. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of this legendary event since 2001.
Long and proud history of epic racing
Created in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and one of the most prestigious car races in the world. A stern test of the reliability of the machines as well as the physical and mental stamina of the drivers, Le Mans attracts some of the greatest names in motor sport. On the 13.6-kilometre (8.4 miles) Circuit de la Sarthe in north-west France, some 62 cars, each with teams of three drivers, race against each other, divided into two Prototype and one GT Class. The winning team is the one which covers the greatest distance in 24 hours, some 5,300 kilometres (3,293 miles). Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the race since 2001.
Continuous innovation over the decades
Since its inaugural edition, the mythical event has been an ideal testing ground for the many advances in motor sport technologies. The trialling of a new road surface in 1922 (still viable today), improvements to safety, engines and aerodynamics, as well as, since 2022, the requirement for all cars to run on 100 per cent renewable biofuel, are among the notable developments marking a century of progress supported by this legendary endurance race. New automotive manufacturers contesting the top class in 2024 include Alpine, BMW and Lamborghini, emphasizes the importance and relevance of the event for the car industry.
Tom Kristensen: ‘Mr Le Mans’
Tom Kristensen has well and truly earned his nickname. The most successful driver in the legendary race’s history, he won it a record nine times, starting with his debut in 1997. A Rolex Testimonee since 2010, the Danish racing driver was FIA World Endurance champion in 2013. “You carry a win at Le Mans with you forever. I feel proud and humble reflecting on the race’s legacy and Rolex’s involvement with motor sport. Together they are the perfect combination; both striving for excellence through persistence, technical innovation and human endeavour.”
The Cosmograph Daytona: a singular prize
The winners of the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans receive an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, specially engraved for the occasion. A legendary watch whose characteristic design has become iconic, the Cosmograph Daytona is emblematic of Rolex’s expertise. Equipped with a movement entirely designed and produced by the Rolex manufacture, it stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability.
Victors of the top class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are awarded more than a title - they receive a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, a timepiece as iconic as the race itself. With its distinctive design and legendary heritage, the Cosmograph Daytona stands as a symbol of Rolex’s mastery in precision and performance. Powered by a movement entirely conceived and crafted in-house, it represents the pinnacle of chronometric excellence and enduring reliability.
At Polacheck’s Jewelers, this same spirit of distinction lives in every Rolex timepiece. From the racetrack to the wrist, each watch tells a story of triumph, craftsmanship, and timeless achievement - honoring those who live for the moments that define greatness.
