The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was born in the early 1960’s replacing its previous chronograph ref. 6238. The ref. 6239 was introduced with “Cosmograph” on the dial for the first time. A legend was born. However, during its initial launch the reception was not widely accepted as the general trend during the respective era was still predominantly focused on traditional timepieces instead of sports watches. Present in catalogues dating back to 1964, the ref. 6239 appeared in various dial configurations, with early examples fitted with “No Daytona” dial featuring an underline, “Daytona” present under Cosmograph in large or small text witnessed in examples from 1965 and with the final transition “Daytona” at 6 O’clock fitted in examples from the late 1960’s.

Simultaneously, so-called exotic dials appeared in examples of ref. 6239 from the second half of the 1960’s featuring either a 2 colored dial in white or black or a 3 colored dial in white or black with red accents manufactured by Singer. With a new and funky dial layout, the initial reception was low and collectors preferred the traditional Rolex dials, which is now obviously reversed. The dial earned its nickname the “Paul Newman” due to the iconic actor himself sporting an example which was a gift from his wife Joanne Woodward in 1972. Synonymous to the world of racing and often seen on his wrist during his races, the marriage between the Daytona, the exotic dial made by Singer and the famous Hollywood actor and indie racer came to life on the cover of an Italian magazine from the period.

The present example is an amazing and rare specimen of a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman ref. 6239 fitted with a three color dial in black. The serial in between the lugs is crisp and clean stating a 1’9XX’XXX case with a correct cal. 722-1 encased in examples from 1967 until it was replaced by the upgraded cal. 727. Hailing from its original owner from Malaysia, the present watch alone is credited with an incredible story of its own. With direct reference from the original owner, the present ref. 6239 Paul Newman was a lucky survivor of a fire. It was one of the only items that the owner decided to take with him when his house was minutes away from burning into ashes. The present example is an excellent specimen of an ultimately rare Paul Newman Daytona, which could have been ashes instead.