The 24 Hours of Le Mans

At Long’s, we honor tradition —we’ve been serving the New England community since 1878 when Thomas Long, a Massachusetts native, opened his Boston-based jewelry business. Our loyal community has endured for generations as we’ve become authorized to provide the best brands in the world, including Rolex.

This is why we are so inspired by events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Motor sport enthusiasts know that Le Mans represents endurance racing at the highest standard of excellence. 2023 has marked the 100^th anniversary of this iconic French competition. At Le Mans, the best international drivers and teams race cars from all classes, on one of the most exciting tracks on Earth.

Rolex’s presence in motorsports has grown steadily since the 1930s, whereby Rolex became the Official Timepiece of Le Mans in 2001. Rolex’s support now extends to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1^®, the pinnacle of motor sport. To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Le Mans, Rolex revealed a special edition 24-Hour Cosmograph Daytona. Keep exploring below to learn more about the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans

The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that celebrates endurance and motor sport excellence, takes places on 10 and 11 June. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of this legendary event since 2001.

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/SKTaLZR9bLA

A century of legendary 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.

100 Years of Innovation

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.

Tom Kristensen: ‘Mr Le Mans’

Tom Kristensen has well 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 and, a decade later, is the ambassador of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary. “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.

Visit us to discover first-hand the Cosmograph Daytona

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