Reference 6239, first launched in 1963, was the very first Rolex chronograph wristwatch to officially feature the ‘Cosmograph Daytona’ signature. The 6239 reference ceased production after six years of manufacture, making way for successor reference 6262, featuring an upgraded Valjoux 727 movement and retaining non-screw down pushers.

While reference 6239 is perhaps best known for being fitted with Paul Newman dials, rarer still, is the presence the model cased in yellow gold. Indeed, during the reference's life span, approximately 300 examples were cased in gold, which is astounding when one takes into account the model’s 14,000 unit production run. The chronograph illustrated in these pages is thus exceedingly rare.
While the reference 6239 was considered a 'technical' watch, Rolex cased the model in yellow gold for their most exclusive and well-to-do customers, as a luxurious alternative to record time and measure speed.

John Goldberger's Opinion

This watch features a wonderfully crisp case, with sharp gold and hallmarks beneath the lugs. Retaining original proportions, the watch features full lugs with sharp milled finishes. I particularly like that the bezel and pushers are original on this example.

The most beautiful feature, however, is the dial. The subsidiary registers have 'turned' a rich chocolate brown shade, contrasting with the gold graphics and soleil dial beautifully. The luminous dots are still intact, round and formed, and have aged to a dark yellow tone in the form of patina.