Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1969
Reference No: 6263 "The Oyster Sotto" inside case back stamped 6239
Case No: 2’085’571
Model Name: Cosmograph Oyster Daytona
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal.727, 17jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 271, max length 205mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.70
Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated November 22, 1972 stating the watch was sold in Pelloni, Roma, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer box.
Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 344 to 347. The same watch is illustrated in 100 Superlative Watches by John Goldberger, pages 260 to 261.
Catalogue Essay
The most unattainable and sought-after variant of all Paul Newman wristwatches is unequivocally the “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman”. Scholars estimate that less than 20 examples have appeared and no more than a handful have been sold at auction thus far.

The moniker “Oyster Sotto”, meaning “Oyster Underneath” in Italian, signifies the correct dial configuration of a reference 6263 “Paul Newman” fitted with a black dial. A correct one displays “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster” rather than “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph”, the latter of which is the correct configuration of a “Paul Newman” with white dial. “Oyster Sotto” dials were fitted to the earliest 6263s, the “Oyster” designation referring to the model’s water-resistant screw-down pushers.

Prominently displayed in literature, this watch is one of the most impressive “Oyster Sotto” wristwatches to ever appear in the public eye. The watch is positively unpolished, exhibiting crisp lug-holes and razor-sharp edges. It even displays original bevels on the bottom edge of the lugs, which would have disappeared with the slightest polishing.

Among the very first “Oyster Sotto” Cosmographs ever produced, the present watch is classified as Mk 1. It features a “small R” in Rolex and ever so slightly slanted ‘H’ in “Cosmograph”. Furthermore, the “Oyster” designation does not have serifs. These dials were originally fitted to non-waterproof references 6262 or 6264, which bore “Rolex Cosmograph”. The “Oyster” inscription was thus added to the dial after by Rolex,
to denote reference 6263’s waterproof ability.

Most importantly, the earliest “Oyster Sotto” models are all found within a close serial range of each other, bearing a 2’085’xxx serial number. To date, the market has identified a handful of correct Mk 1 examples, all within 10 digits of each other. Moreover, they are fitted with a 6239 case back stamped C.R.S for the maker C.R. Spillmann S.A. Other correct features of this watch are the first generation ‘millerighe’ pushers, the 5-point Rolex crown that displays only the coronet and the Mk 1 bezel.

As an even nicer touch, it’s offered with its Rolex ‘Garanzia’ dated November 22, 1972 stating the watch was sold in Pelloni, Rome. Situated on Via del Corso 140, retailer and jeweler Pelloni was eventually purchased by Hausmann & Co, still in business 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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14

Rolex

Ref. 6263 "The Oyster Sotto" inside case back stamped 6239
An exceedingly rare, magnificent and early chronograph wristwatch with ‘Oyster Sotto Paul Newman’ dial, tachymeter bezel, guarantee and presentation box.

Circa 1969
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF1,000,000 - 2,000,000

Sold for CHF1,662,500

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

Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018

1
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "The Priest"
Model: Cosmograph
A well-preserved and early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with extremely rare black and white dial configuration, tachymeter bezel and bracelet
Estimate CHF50,000 - 100,000
Sold for CHF131,250
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2
Rolex
Ref. 6265 "The Pintabian"
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
An extraordinarily well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial displaying chocolate ‘tropical’ registers and bracelet.
Estimate CHF100,000 - 200,000
Sold for CHF187,500
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3
Rolex
Ref. 16520 "The Meissen"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with so-called ‘porcelain’ dial displaying ‘floating’ logo, bracelet and guarantee.
Estimate CHF70,000 - 140,000
Sold for CHF187,500
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4
Rolex
Ref. 6265 "The Midas Touch"
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
A very rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with early chronometer dial configuration displaying ‘floating graphics’ and mocha ‘tropical’ subsidiary registers
Estimate CHF120,000 - 240,000
Sold for CHF162,500
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5
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "Mr Brown"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A highly rare and superb stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial displaying ‘Jumbo Logo’ graphics and harmonious tobacco ‘tropical’ registers
Estimate CHF70,000 - 140,000
Sold for CHF106,250
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6
Rolex
Ref. 6241 "Moka Luke"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An exceptionally well-preserved and rare stainless steel chronograph with Paul Newman dial, mocha ‘tropical’ subsidiary registers and tachymeter bezel
Estimate CHF180,000 - 360,000
Sold for CHF372,500
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7
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "The Golden Pagoda"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A very rare and extremely well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne ‘Paul Newman’ dial, factory sticker, tachymeter bezel and bracelet
Estimate CHF300,000 - 600,000
Sold for CHF948,500
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8
Rolex
Ref. 6265 "The Unicorn"
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
A historically important and exceedingly attractive white gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial and bark finished bracelet, the only one known of its kind
Estimate CHF3,000,000 - 5,000,000
Sold for CHF5,937,500
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9
Rolex
Ref. 16528 "The Tiger Run"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A rare, early and well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with so-called ‘porcelain’ dial displaying ‘floating’ logo, guarantee, bracelet and fitted presentation box
Estimate CHF50,000 - 100,000
Sold for CHF162,500
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10
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "Le Déjà Vu"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A rare, highly attractive and extremely well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with off-white ‘Paul Newman’ dial and tachymeter bezel
Estimate CHF120,000 - 240,000
Sold for CHF293,750
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11
Rolex
Ref. 6240 "The Greystone"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with toning-down dark grey dial displaying ‘floating Daytona’ designation, tachymeter bezel and bracelet
Estimate CHF80,000 - 160,000
Sold for CHF143,750
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12
Rolex
Ref. 6241 "The Bumblebee"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A rare, beautiful and well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne ‘Paul Newman’ dial and bracelet
Estimate CHF250,000 - 500,000
Sold for CHF516,500
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13
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "The Quraysh Hawk"
Model: Cosmograph
An exceptionally rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with UAE Quraysh Hawk dial and cocoa registers, made for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Estimate CHF200,000 - 400,000
Sold for CHF324,500
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14
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "The Oyster Sotto" inside case back stamped 6239
Model: Cosmograph Oyster Daytona
An exceedingly rare, magnificent and early chronograph wristwatch with ‘Oyster Sotto Paul Newman’ dial, tachymeter bezel, guarantee and presentation box.
Estimate CHF1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for CHF1,662,500
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15
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "El Capitán" inside case back stamped with repeated serial number 3’956’051
Model: Oyster Cosmograph "Fuerza Aérea del Perú”
An exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial, guarantee and presentation box, made for the Peruvian Air Force
Estimate CHF100,000 - 200,000
Sold for CHF137,500
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16
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "O Paulistano" inside case back stamped 6264
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
A pristine and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with ‘tropical’ dial, tachymeter bezel, guarantee, original invoice and presentation box.
Estimate CHF150,000 - 300,000
Sold for CHF218,750
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17
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "Ricciardi Panda" inside case back stamped 6239
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
A remarkably well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with off- white ‘Paul Newman’ dial and fitted presentation box, retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi.
Estimate CHF400,000 - 800,000
Sold for CHF756,500
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18
Rolex
Ref. 16518 "Le Roi Soleil"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An attractive and most probably unique yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with retailer code on the lug and clasp, retailed by Van Cleef & Arpels
Estimate CHF50,000 - 100,000
Sold for CHF187,500
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19
Rolex
Ref. 6269 inside case back stamped 6263 "Le Hibou Grand-Duc"
Model: Cosmograph
An exceedingly exclusive and lavish diamond and sapphire-set yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, made for the French market
Estimate CHF400,000 - 800,000
Sold for CHF606,500
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20
Rolex
Ref. 6262 "The Exotic Flat"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A wonderfully preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black ‘Paul Newman’ dial displaying ‘flat’ registers, factory sticker and bracelet
Estimate CHF150,000 - 300,000
Sold for CHF262,500
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21
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "The Arabian Knight" inside case back stamped 6265 and 3’655’340
Model: Cosmograph
An exquisite, important and most probably unique chronograph wristwatch with black dial displaying white Arabic-Indic numerals, and bracelet
Estimate CHF1,500,000 - 3,000,000
Sold for CHF1,932,500
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22
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "The Big Red"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A rare and pristine stainless steel chronograph with black dial featuring ‘Big Red’ Daytona designation, warranty and presentation box
Estimate CHF80,000 - 160,000
Sold for CHF243,750
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23
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "The Ancestor" inside case back stamped 6238
Model: Cosmograph
An early, highly rare and very well-preserved ‘First Series’ chronograph wristwatch with ‘Double Swiss Underline’ black dial, tachymeter bezel and bracelet
Estimate CHF100,000 - 200,000
Sold for CHF275,000
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24
Rolex
Ref. 6241 "John Player Special"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An exceedingly rare and outstandingly beautiful yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black ‘Paul Newman’ dial displaying contrasting gold registers
Estimate CHF500,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for CHF912,500
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25
Rolex
Ref. 116520 "The Winner"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A highly rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and fitted presentation box awarded to David Brabham, winner of the Rolex 24 of Le Mans in 2009
Estimate CHF50,000 - 100,000
Sold for CHF60,000
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26
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "The Gandalf"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A highly rare and early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, presumably among the first to bear the ‘Daytona’ designation, with white grené dial displaying double ‘ –T Swiss T–’ inscription, and brushed bezel
Estimate CHF100,000 - 200,000
Sold for CHF156,250
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27
Rolex
Ref. 6263 "The Red Sultan" inside case back stamped 3’655’348
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman and retailed by Asprey
Estimate CHF600,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for CHF1,212,500
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28
Rolex
Ref. 6263" The Staccato"
Model: Oyster Cosmograph
A highly rare and well-preserved 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial displaying small ‘Oyster’ designation and ‘floating scripts’
Estimate CHF180,000 - 360,000
Sold for CHF287,500
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29
Rolex
Ref. 6239 "The Black Rose"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A very well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered soleil-finished dial displaying a highly rare graphic layout
Estimate CHF80,000 - 160,000
Sold for CHF118,750
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30
Rolex
Ref. 6241 "The Black Rooster"
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A highly rare and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black ‘Paul Newman’ dial, tachymeter bezel and bracelet
Estimate CHF180,000 - 360,000
Sold for CHF318,500
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31
Rolex
Ref. 6240 "The Oyster Alpina" inside case back stamped 6239
Model: Cosmograph Oyster
A highly rare, early and fascinating stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial displaying reverse configuration, tachymeter bezel and bracelet.
Estimate CHF150,000 - 300,000
Sold for CHF348,500
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32
Rolex
Ref. 6240 "The Neanderthal"
Model: Cosmograph
A highly interesting and historically important stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with most probably unique black and white ‘pre-Paul Newman’ style dial, featuring oversized registers and black outer seconds marks on white track
Estimate CHF2,500,000 - 5,000,000
Sold for CHF3,012,500
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Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018

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Catalogue Essay

Artist Biography

Rolex

14

Rolex

Ref. 6263 "The Oyster Sotto" inside case back stamped 6239An exceedingly rare, magnificent and early chronograph wristwatch with ‘Oyster Sotto Paul Newman’ dial, tachymeter bezel, guarantee and presentation box.

Daytona Ultimatum

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Ref. 6263 "The Oyster Sotto" inside case back stamped 6239
An exceedingly rare, magnificent and early chronograph wristwatch with ‘Oyster Sotto Paul Newman’ dial, tachymeter bezel, guarantee and presentation box.