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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'475'563
    Model Name: "Floating Daytona"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 124 to 127.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 6239 was the very first model of the iconic Cosmograph Daytona family, and was produced from approximately 1963 until 1976. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, the reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. The model was originally marketed as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually dubbed the "Daytona” when Rolex sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

    The present example is fitted with a beautiful black matte dial and silvered sub-dials, with the amazing, small "Floating Daytona" signature found at 12 o’clock. The early bezel, calibrated to 300 units per hour, remains in place, adding to the collectability of the piece. Completed with a nice riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, it remains in particularly good condition.

    This is an unusual and rare variant of the 6239 that will certainly please a discerning collector.

  • 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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Ref. 6239
A rare and very attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and black "floating Daytona" dial

Circa 1966
36.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€21,600-43,200
$25,800-51,700

Sold for CHF60,000

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017