Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 2'112'960
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: 14K yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap and buckle signed
    Literature: A similar example of this reference is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pages 252-253.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Daytona chronographs with the coveted “Paul Newman” dials are rare, but the reference 6241 is amongst the rarest. In production for only 3 short years from 1966 to 1969, we estimate that roughly 2000 pieces were produced in stainless steel, around 300 in 18k yellow gold and approximately 400 in 14k yellow gold. The present watch is part of the mega rare 14k yellow gold models specially made for the American market.

    This reference differed from other Daytona models with a new case design that introduced a small protrusion under the crown, which allowed easier winding of the mechanical Valjoux caliber 722. It also featured a new bezel made of a metal support fitted with a black acrylic insert with a tachymeter scale printed in white. The “T SWISS T” designation at the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock indicates the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers. It is also from this reference on that the word ‘Daytona’ would be officially printed on the dial.

    Fitted with a warm 14k yellow gold case perfectly matching a gorgeous cream-colored grené dial and displaying the very much sought-after Paul Newman dial configuration, the present lot embodies the spirit of the American Daytona of the late 60’s. A watch that we can imagine the original owner wearing, whilst chilling on a lounge chair on the sun deck of his beach house, sipping a Tom Collins and listening to a Getz/Gilberto tune.

    In very good overall condition, this beauty has been hidden and unworn for quite some time as witnessed by the colorful oxidation found on the case and is a true piece of refinement and sophistication with a dash of playfulness.

  • 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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Σ137

Ref. 6241
A highly attractive, beautifully preserved and rare 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1969
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF180,000 - 250,000 
€155,000-216,000
$186,000-258,000

Sold for CHF444,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017