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 places on 15 and 16 June 2024. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of this legendary event since 2001.

Published on June 15, 2024

Long and proud history of epic racing

For over 100 years, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race has celebrated the high-octane world of motorsports and the fortitude of its drivers. Since 2001, Rolex has proudly served as the race’s official timepiece. Both the Le Mans race and Rolex continue to push the envelope with their explorations of the greatest technology in their respective areas of expertise, creating a truly breathtaking marriage of innovation and tradition. Explore all that this renowned watch manufacturer has to offer at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, with two luxurious locations in California.

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.

Visit Us In Store at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers

For decades, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race has been the pinnacle of motorsports, simultaneously celebrating and displaying the cutting-edge innovations of the sport. As the event’s official timepiece, Rolex shares in this legacy of excellence and innovation with every watch they manufacture. Discover the captivating craftsmanship and unmatched precision of Rolex at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, an Official Rolex Jeweler in Walnut, Los Angeles, and San Gabriel. Our expert staff can help you find the right Rolex timepiece for your unique needs, whether you spend more time at the office or behind the wheel. Visit our stunning showrooms and experience the excellence of Rolex watches for yourself today.