Last year, Nick Boulle was featured in our watch collectors and watchlifestylers section after finishing second at the 54th Annual Rolex 24 at Daytona —formerly known as the 24 Hours of Daytona. This year, Nick also made the podium but this time finished in first place in the Prototype Challenge Class along with his three teammates at the 55th Annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. As it is customary, Rolex presents a two-tone Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116523 to the winners and we have the actual watch right here for you guys to enjoy. The watch is not only accompanied by a very special box but also engraved on the case back with the Rolex 24 Daytona logo and the word 'Winner'.
The Watch Box & Special Warranty Card
As you can see, the box is super nice and instead of having the traditional wavy pattern on the top of the lid, it features a checkered flag and a racetrack on relief. Additionally, the interior of the box features a big Rolex logo in green, the watch is accompanied by a green suede service pouch and its warranty card comes already filled with 'Rolex 24 2017' under the purchaser field and dated January 18, 2017.
About Nick & The Rolex 24 at Daytona 2017
Now, just in case you missed our previous feature about Nick Boulle—which you can read here—, let's give you a little background on him. Nick is the son of Denis and Karen Boulle, the owners of de Boulle Jewelers —a family owned jeweler and Rolex authorized dealer with presence in Dallas and Houston. But what makes this story more interesting is the fact that Nick is the first ever Official Rolex Jeweler to become a winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Huge congrats to Nick on this amazing accomplishment.
Finishing 22 laps ahead of its closest rival in this endurance 24-hour classic at the Daytona International Speedway, Nick and his teammates took turns driving for up to six hours each the open-cockpit No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports Oreca FLM09. Driving four times in total with no more than four hours of sleep during the 24-hour race, Nick drove a little bit over six hours split in four different stints. As part of this challenge, Nick had to endure three hours of pouring rain during his stint from 2am to 5 am. While reaching a top speed of 189 mph in the Performance Tech Motorsports Oreca FLM09, the conditions on the race were so dangerous because of the rain, that for more than 45 minutes, the race had to take place under yellow flag conditions and closely following the pace car.
For Nick, this is only his third professional race ever but one that he will never forget at his young age of 27. Taking 20 to 25 pit stops, this endurance race is one of the most legendary races in the world and one that very few drivers can proud themselves in winning. Another great thing about winning this race and one that is cherished by those that love watches as much as we do, is getting that special Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with its special engraving. While most winners of this race are not actual watch collectors and couldn't care less about the watch, Nick Boulle is a true watch collector that will cherish this timepiece unlike any other in his collection for the rest of his life.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116523 Presented to the Winner of the 55th Rolex 24 at Daytona 2017
The watch presented to him by President and CEO of Rolex, Stewart Wicht, is a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116523 in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold with white dial with a special engraving on its case back that only those that won this race will be able to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Now, if you want to sport a watch that looks like this one, this reference and particular model is readily available from Rolex for $16,900 USD, although the case back won't have this special engraving, this watch is still a timeless classic and one that looks great on any wrist.
The Special Case Back
On the Wrist
Once again, big congrats to our friend Nick Boulle for winning the 55th Rolex 24 at Daytona 2017 and thank you for letting us play with what is now the most prized watch in your watch collection. As they say in some of the watch fora out there, post a wrist shot or it didn't happen. Well, it did happen and here's Nick's watch on our wrist.
For more info on Rolex click here.
