Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 6241 stamped 6239 inside the case back
    Case No: 1'757'887
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster, reference 7205, endlinks stamped 71, max length 195mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6241 is the first Cosmograph Daytona reference with black acrylic bezel ever commercialized by Rolex. Between 1966 and 1969 it is estimated that slightly more than 2000 pieces in steel, around 400 in 14 karat gold and only 300 in 18 karat gold were produced, making this example here especially rare. From this reference on, the word ‘Daytona’ will be officially printed on the dial. In addition to being one of the few 18 karat ref. 6241s, this particular example features the so much sought after “exotic” dial – widely known as the “Paul Newman” dial.

    The present example, manufactured some nearly 50 years ago, distinguishes itself by its wonderful state of conservation. The case and the dial are crisp and well defined. The bezel shows absolutely no imperfections. The riveted Oyster bracelet is tight, with very light traces of gentle wear seen on the original satin and mirror finished surfaces. This superb Paul Newman Daytona will certainly delight the most demanding collector of the world’s finest watches.

  • 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.

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Ο235

Ref. 6241 stamped 6239 inside the case back
A very rare and most attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne-colored "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

1969
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€184,000-367,000
$206,000-412,000

Sold for CHF317,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016