1121
Rolex
Ref. 6239
Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman John Player Special”
An important, exceedingly rare and well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman John Player Special” dial and mesh bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Fresh-to-the-market ref. 6239 in 18K yellow gold
- Legendary and highly coveted Paul Newman John Player Special dial
- Ultra-rare period-correct mesh bracelet from late 60’s
- Excellent case condition
With reference 6239, Rolex launched what is arguably its most iconic, successful, and collectible watch family: the Cosmograph Daytona. Initially introduced in the USA in 1963, it made its European debut the following year. The choice of the American market was influenced by its close ties to automotive racing, and the name "Daytona" was selected for its American associations, replacing the originally intended "Le Mans".
Gold cases were exceedingly rare for reference 6239. Throughout its production run, only about 300 examples were crafted in yellow gold—a strikingly low number considering the model's total production of approximately 14,000 units. This limited availability stems from the model’s design as a pure tool watch, which was primarily sought-after in sturdy and practical stainless steel.
Of those 300 gold pieces, only a minuscule handful were fitted with the luxurious black Paul Newman “John Player Special” dial. While the JPS dial is most commonly seen fitted within the acrylic bezel reference 6241, it is even rarer—though historically documented—to find it cased within the metal-bezel reference 6239. According to our research, fewer than 10 yellow gold 6239 JPS examples are known in the market today.
Among all Paul Newman dials, the "John Player Special" variant remains one of the most alluring and visually striking. In 1972, the John Player & Sons tobacco company sponsored the Lotus Formula One team, emblazoning the cigarette maker’s branding across its race cars. Clad in a bold black and gold livery to match John Player & Sons’ corporate colors, the race car became an instant legend. The contrasting color scheme, down to the intricate trims and details, bears an uncanny resemblance to these black and gold dials, turning the aptly nicknamed "JPS" into an absolute grail piece for collectors.
The present JPS ref. 6239 bears every coveted trait that a discerning collector could dream of. Bearing a 1.9M serial, the movement is fitted with a correct, later-production calibre 722-1. Greatly adding to the collectability is the rare dial batch created by Singer, featuring the charismatic, wide "sing-a-song" T SWISS T inscription with pronounced serifs sitting on the outer edge of the dial, typical of examples toward the end of the 1960s. Exceptionally well-preserved, crisp hallmarks are clearly visible behind the lugs and the serial numbers between the lugs remain prominent and crisp.
What elevates this specimen to "unicorn" status is the solid gold mesh bracelet fitted to the watch. Period correct and stamped "1.69", these mesh bracelets were catalogued by Rolex under reference 7722. It is an extremely rare occurrence to find a vintage Daytona fitted with this comfortable and finely crafted alternative instead of the standard Oyster bracelet. As very few 7722 bracelets were ever delivered and given their delicate construction, most have not survived or are rarely found in such remarkably preserved condition.
A true sight to behold, Phillips is honored to present this fresh-to-the-market example, marking the very first time a reference 6239 JPS has appeared at a Hong Kong auction. An exceedingly rare opportunity in recent auction history, this exceptional reference 6239 represents an unmissable timepiece for any connoisseur seeking a milestone in vintage Daytona history.
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.