The 24 Hours of Le Mans

Image
  1. Rolex
  2. World of Rolex

The 24 Hours of Le Mans. The mere mention of this iconic endurance race evokes images of roaring engines, sleek machines pushing the boundaries of human ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of victory. It's a crucible where dreams are tempered, legends are forged, and the very definition of speed and endurance is redefined. Akin to an artfully crafted timepiece, the race itself is a testament to meticulous engineering, fine-tuned precision, and an undying commitment to excellence.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans

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.

Published on

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.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a race where time stands still yet moves with breathtaking speed. A testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Just as the Cosmograph Daytona, the official timepiece of the race, embodies Rolex's relentless commitment to precision and innovation, Tapper's Jewelry offers an exceptional selection of exquisite timepieces with Rolex at the forefront. Experience the legacy of horological excellence firsthand at our Rolex Showrooms in West Bloomfield, Novi, and Troy. Discover a world where time is not merely measured but celebrated.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The triumph of endurance

Learn more