Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: 6239, inside case back further stamped 6239
    Case No: 1’626’433
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 7205, end links stamped 71, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Playing an important role in Rolex history, the reference 6239 introduced in 1963 was the very first Cosmograph Daytona model in Rolex’s collection. The red “Daytona” text was not displayed on the earliest models as Rolex initially marketed the reference as the “Le Mans” before settling on “Daytona,” which would start appearing on the dials shortly after the change. Available in stainless steel, 14K, and 18K gold, the 6239 was the first chronograph by the historic manufacture to feature the tachymeter scale outside the dial, incorporated instead on the bezel.

    Today, the 6239 with the “Paul Newman” exotic dial configuration is amongst the most sought after of all collectors’ watches, appreciated by collectors for its rarity, enduring aesthetics, and celebrated history. Becoming increasingly rare is a fresh-to-market “Paul Newman” Daytona presented in hardly worn, original condition from the original owner, such as the one offered here.

    The present watch is a stunning example, maintaining its lovely original “Paul Newman” exotic dial in virtually flawless condition housed in a likely unpolished case showing hardly any signs of wear. The black grèné dial with white subsidiary dials, coupled with the bright red of the “Daytona” text at 6 o’clock, form a strikingly beautiful aesthetic. The outer red 1/5th seconds track and Art Deco style font displayed in the subsidiary dials, with well-preserved concentric circles, further enhance the depth of this watch’s beauty. The perfectly preserved luminous plots have begun to take on a pleasing and consistent warm yellow hue. This one-owner “Paul Newman” Daytona is certain to delight the most 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.

    View More Works

67

Ref. 6239, inside case back further stamped 6239
A very rare, attractive and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial, tachymeter bezel, and bracelet

1967
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$120,000 - 180,000 
CHF120,000-179,000
€104,000-156,000
HK$941,000-1,410,000

Sold for $218,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018