Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 6239, stamped 6242 inside the case back
    Case No: 2'045'503
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Oyster, stamped 7205, end links stamped 71, max length 197mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 3.69
    Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Fitted presentation box and original Rolex service guarantee dated from May 20th, 1983

  • Catalogue Essay

    The first Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6239 was launched in 1963, and is distinguished by its pump pushers and steel bezel calibrated to 300 units per hour. In around 1968 the bezel's graduation changed to 200 units, as on the present example.

    The watch has a stunning white dial, adding fantastic contrast with the black outer rim, balanced beautifully with red outer minute track. All of the luminous is intact, and aged to a wonderful shade of military green, with the luminous on the hands matching perfectly. Fitted with what collectors refer to as a "Paul Newman" dial, this exotic dial is recognizable by the art-deco style squared markers found in the subsidiary dials.

    Starting around 1965, Rolex created its first prototypes of the Yachtmaster Daytona, reference 6242, which interestingly was never introduced to the market. It would appear that the present reference 6239 was fitted with this utterly uncommon and rarely seen caseback, with reference 6242, adding to the exclusivity and collectability of this piece.

    Few vintage wristwatches combine such looks, rarity, condition, and wearability as this 6239 “Paul Newman” Cosmograph Daytona. Additionally, the present example comes complete with its box and Rolex service guarantee, a highly desirable add-on to this already rare and popular piece.

  • 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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289

Ref. 6239, stamped 6242 inside the case back
A very fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, box and service guarantee

1969
36.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 140,000 

Sold for CHF100,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm