Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 1'766'132
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "71" and "7205" to the endlinks
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "3 69"
    Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter
    Signed: case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Italian Garanzia stamped by Bologna, Italy retailer Ferdinando Veronesi & Figli and dated January 28, 1970 and original crystal

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6241 was in production for a short time in the 1960s, between 1965 and 1969. It can be powered by either cal. 722, or its evolution 722-1, such as in this instance. Interestingly, cal. 72B - the previous iteration - can not be found on this reference as it had already been discontinued by the time the model was launched. It was available with silvered or black dial, and from circa 1966 with one of the most collectible dial configurations ever designed for a wristwatch: the "Paul Newman" - or "exotic", as Rolex originally dubbed it - dial with contrasting outer track bearing red minute divisions, and completely different subsidiary counters graphics defined by square indexes.

    The present example is distinguished by a number of features which make it highly appealing and attractive. First and foremost, the condition of its dial is absolutely stunning: no marks of any kind - neither physical scratches nor aging spots, are to be found on it. On the contrary, the passage of time has been in this case a blessing, as it tropicalized the outer track and the subsidiary counters to an absolutely even, intense dark chocolate hue. The luminous material as well has changed color and now sports a very strong and attractive vanilla tonality. Secondarily, it is offered by the original Italian owner, who kept both the original box and the Italian Warranty - "Garanzia" - stamped by historical Bologna retailer Ferdinando Veronesi & Figli, still active today. The document actually provides an insight into a long gone era when watches - especially steel chronograph watches - were considered tools, rather than collectibles: the Garanzia naively indicates in the "Orologio" (watch) field - where the retailer was supposed to note the case number - a generic "Cronografo" (Chrongoraph) indication. The bracelet as well is the original - and highly rare, actually a collectible on its own - reference 7205 with "71" endlinks.
    The connoisseur of Rolex wristwatches will immediately notice that this example of reference 6241 mounts a metal bezel, usually found on reference 6239. It was in fact exchanged on request of the client, and - thanks to a remarkable stroke of luck - the present bezel is not only a rare mark II example, but it is furthermore satinated instead of polished. An exceedingly small number of such bezels are known with this finish.

  • 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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FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER

818

Ref. 6241
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Paul Newman dial, bracelet, Garanzia and box

Circa 1967
36.5mm diameter
case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 1,500,000 
€110,000-165,000
$128,000-192,000

Sold for HK$2,375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018