Which Rolex model is a chronograph designed for racing?

The Rolex model that is a chronograph designed for racing is the Rolex Daytona, officially known as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Its chronograph records elapsed time, while its tachymetric scale can estimate speed over a measured distance.

Rolex introduced the Daytona in 1963, naming it after Daytona Beach, Florida, a major center of early American automobile racing. The watch was developed for drivers and racing enthusiasts, with a layout suited to timing laps and calculating average speed. Rolex had also become official timekeeper of Daytona International Speedway in 1962.

The model’s racing identity became even stronger through its connection with the 24 Hours of Daytona. Rolex has sponsored that endurance race since 1992, and it is now known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Collectors also distinguish early hand-wound Daytonas from later automatic generations. The famous “Paul Newman” Daytona is a vintage dial variant, not a separate Rolex model.