





US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
31
Rolex
Ref. 6241
Cosmograph Daytona
An extremely rare and highly attractive 14k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with a champagne-copper colored dial, and white graphic registers
- Estimate
- CHF150,000 - 300,000€162,000 - 324,000$188,000 - 377,000
CHF228,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1966
- Reference No
- 6241
- Case No
- 1'533'969
- Model Name
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Material
- 14k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 14k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 158mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 14k yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 37.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a simply stunning example of a Rolex reference 6241 - one of the rarest references of all Cosmograph Daytona models. Reference 6241 was launched in 1966 and remained in production only until 1969. The present example in 14 karat yellow gold is highly desirable and rare as it was sold to the American market. It is estimated that only a few hundred examples were produced during its production period.
With a serial number of 1'533'969, the present watch is most notably a few digits away from another example, the so called “The Copper Tone”, which is featured prominently in Pucci Papaleo’s “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” tome and was sold at Phillips' The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE on May 15, 2016.
Fitted with a gorgeous champagne-colored dial, when illuminated, it exhibits copper hues that perfectly match the warm, golden color of its 14 karat gold case. Further enhancing its rarity is the pure white printed graphics used within the subsidiary dials, rather than gilt printing. The “T-SWISS-T” designation at the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock indicates the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers.
The watch retains clear and crisp hallmarks on the underside of the lugs, which is a treat to see nearly 45 years later. A noteworthy element to mention is the ‘ROW’ stamp found on the Valjoux 722 movement, which is an import code indicating the watch was indeed imported to the American market.
This sporty, yet elegant watch is in excellent overall condition making this example an ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.
With a serial number of 1'533'969, the present watch is most notably a few digits away from another example, the so called “The Copper Tone”, which is featured prominently in Pucci Papaleo’s “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” tome and was sold at Phillips' The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE on May 15, 2016.
Fitted with a gorgeous champagne-colored dial, when illuminated, it exhibits copper hues that perfectly match the warm, golden color of its 14 karat gold case. Further enhancing its rarity is the pure white printed graphics used within the subsidiary dials, rather than gilt printing. The “T-SWISS-T” designation at the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock indicates the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers.
The watch retains clear and crisp hallmarks on the underside of the lugs, which is a treat to see nearly 45 years later. A noteworthy element to mention is the ‘ROW’ stamp found on the Valjoux 722 movement, which is an import code indicating the watch was indeed imported to the American market.
This sporty, yet elegant watch is in excellent overall condition making this example an ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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