The 24 Hours of Le Mans

Accurate timing is paramount to a race car driver’s performance.  A driver’s watch must withstand the challenge of strenuous, demanding conditions at the racetrack, especially during a 24-Hour race like Le Mans. Rolex’s watches are built for performance and accuracy in challenging circumstances, and in doing so offer reassuring support for drivers pursuing victory in international competitions.  

It’s a natural fit, then, that Rolex is aligned with the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans as the race’s Official Timepiece.  CD Peacock is pleased to share Rolex’s continuing enthusiastic support of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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 8.4-mile (13.6 kilometers) Circuit de la Sarthe in northwest 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 3,293 miles (5,300 kilometers). 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 trialing 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 percent 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, emphasizing 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 endeavor.”

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.

Chicago Will Host a NASCAR Race for the First Time in 2023

Chicago’s streets will be transformed into racetracks in the NASCAR competition scheduled for early July.  A course traversing many of our city’s beloved landmarks will serve as a track, making for an exciting speed match that will be thrilling to watch. At CD Peacock, we’re excited to witness this extraordinary race in our hometown. 

Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button will be competing in the Chicago race as a NASCAR driver for the first time. Button raced in Formula 1 for 17 years and won the world championship in 2009. Recently, Button decided to compete in a wholly different series – NASCAR. “A lot of people think I’m crazy for doing this because it’s so different, but that’s why I love the challenge of it,” Button said in a statement. “For me, it’s not about how quick the car is, it’s about how close the racing can be. It’s definitely going to be a shock to the system, but a toe in the water, so to speak, and hopefully help me be more competitive the next time I do it.” In taking on this new challenge, Button exemplifies the ongoing pursuit of pushing performance boundaries to their limits. 

Undoubtedly, Button will be wearing his Rolex Daytona during the competition. Many of our longstanding clients at CD Peacock are passionate about and own Rolex Daytona timepieces themselves. The Daytona embodies superlative timekeeping and robustness. At the same time, the Daytona’s design is elegant and timeless, making it perfect for everyday wear on and off the track.

CD Peacock Invites You to Visit Our Rolex Showrooms

As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we’d be delighted to welcome you to our Rolex Showrooms.  We offer a full immersion into the world of Rolex at both our Woodfield Mall and Oakbrook Center locations. 

Our Rolex Sales Associates are knowledgeable and devoted to guiding clients as they choose the Rolex that’s perfect for them. We love to share our passion for Rolex with people discovering the brand for the first time as well as established collectors. 

An important part of being an Official Rolex Jeweler is offering a full range of services for Rolex timepieces. Our certified Rolex watchmakers are on-site to perform services ranging from a strap change or bracelet adjustment to more thorough mechanical services.