Rolex - Daytona Ultimatum Geneva Friday, May 11, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 6240 "The Greystone"
    Case No: 1’439’100
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.68
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The launch of reference 6240 ushered a new era for Rolex. The model’s historical importance cannot be overstated. In addition to the Oyster crown, the Cosmograph Daytona now showcased water resistant screw down pushers that would forever be part of Rolex’s legacy.

    This reference 6240 is yet another variant of the diverse model. Instead of bearing the ‘Oyster’ designation, the dial displays ‘Rolex Cosmograph’ with ‘Daytona’ suspended below in a smaller size. As this timepiece shares the same dial configuration with the ‘Floating Dial’ reference 6239, one can conclude that Rolex used existing dials while testing out its new and innovative ‘Oyster’ chronograph model. Furthermore, the dial has toned down from black to a dark grey tone.

    This example is fitted with a Mk 1 bezel and the chronograph buttons are original to the reference 6240. Having aged over time, the brass now peeks through the pushers. Featuring flat and fine grooves, they are referred to by collectors as ‘millerighe’. Later Daytona models would display much deeper grooves allowing for a firmer grip. Of particular note are the 71 end links, which are particularly coveted by collectors today.

  • 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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11

Ref. 6240 "The Greystone"
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with toning-down dark grey dial displaying ‘floating Daytona’ designation, tachymeter bezel and bracelet

Circa 1966
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 

Sold for CHF143,750

Contact Specialist
Tiffany To
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 96 63
tto@phillips.com

Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018