A Long and Glorious History of Epic Competitions

Founded in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world, attracting some of the biggest names in motorsports. Both the reliability of the cars and the physical and mental endurance of the drivers are put to the test. Sixty-two teams, each consisting of three drivers, compete on the 13.6-kilometer Circuit de la Sarthe in northwest France, driving vehicles divided into three categories: Prototypes and Grand Touring. The victory goes to the team that covers the greatest distance, approximately 5,300 kilometers, in twenty-four hours. Rolex has been a partner of the event since 2001 as the Official Timepiece.

Decades of Continuous Innovation

Since its first edition, this legendary event has been the ideal ground for testing numerous technological advances in motorsports. The trial of a new road surface in 1922 – still in use today –, safety, engine technology, and aerodynamics, as well as the exclusive use of 100% renewable biofuel since 2022, are just some of the developments and progress that have marked a century of this legendary endurance race. In 2024, Alpine, BMW, and Lamborghini will be among the new manufacturers competing in the top class of the competition, underscoring the event’s importance to the automotive industry.

Tom Kristensen: “Mr. Le Mans”

Tom Kristensen’s nickname is well-deserved. Since his debut in 1997, the Danish driver has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans nine times – a record that has etched his name into the legend of this historic race. A Rolex ambassador since 2010, Kristensen was crowned world champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2013. “When you win at Le Mans, you carry that victory with you forever. I am proud and honored, especially when I think about the history of this race and Rolex’s commitment to motorsports. Together they form a perfect duo: both in pursuit of excellence through tenacity, technical innovation, and the desire to always push human limits.”

The Cosmograph Daytona: A Special Prize

Winners in the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans receive an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona with a special engraving that honors the victory. With its distinctive design that has made it an icon, the Cosmograph Daytona embodies Rolex’s expertise. Equipped with a movement entirely designed and produced by the Brand, it stands out for its chronometric precision and unwavering reliability.