Rolex - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 6241, repeated in the inner caseback with C.R.S.
    Case No: 1’767’539
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 7205, end links stamped 60, max length 190 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Literature: For another example of the reference 6241 “Paul Newman”, see Pucci Papaleo, Ultimate Rolex Daytona, pp 232-5.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Like many timepieces, the present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is likened to a celebrated icon. The watch here is, however, associated with none other than the late Paul Newman. Known for his extraordinary and multifaceted career as an actor, philanthropist, director, and last but not least racecar driver, Rolex chronograph models with exotic stepped dials were later dubbed “Paul Newman” by collectors after he was photographed regularly with one on his wrist.

    Today, the ref. 6241 with the “Paul Newman” stepped exotic dial configuration is among the most coveted grail watches, appreciated by aficionados for its rarity, quality and celebrated history. The ref. 6241 was produced approximately between 1966 and 1969. Scholars estimate that less than 3000 examples were produced during the reference’s production run, and only a small portion of them were fitted with “Paul Newman” dials.

    The present watch is distinguished by its excellent condition and quality. The case is kept in overall excellent condition. The scale marks on the black bezel is still clearly visible. The numbers between the lugs are also crisp and clear. Kept in similarly great condition is the dial, with the cherry-red “Daytona” designation pops out from the ebony dial.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

858

Ref. 6241, repeated in the inner caseback with C.R.S.
An iconic, rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet

Circa 1967
37.5mm diameter

Estimate
HK$930,000 - 1,400,000 
€107,000-161,000
$120,000-180,000

Sold for HK$1,625,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001
 

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019