1123
Rolex
Ref. 6239
Cosmograph Daytona
A very well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tropical registers and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Offered by the family of the original owner
- Beautifully aged tropical registers
- Period correct MK II bezel
- Accompanied by a Rolex & Tudor catalogue
Officially launched in 1963, the reference 6239 influenced and inspired generations of collectors worldwide, fundamentally redefining Rolex's stature within the watchmaking industry. Marked as the very first Rolex Cosmograph, the reference was initially conceived as the "Le Mans". However, seeking to establish a strong presence in the American market, Rolex became the official sponsor and timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in 1962, subsequently renaming the series "Daytona" to honor its close relationship with the track and motor racing.
Over the years, scholars and collectors have categorized reference 6239 production into distinct batches, each defined by subtle design evolutions. The present example circa 1967 features a period-correct Mark II bezel—distinguished by a tachymeter scale extending to 300 unit indicators, but lacking the 275 mark between 250 and 300. This specific bezel configuration was produced only until 1967.
While a good condition reference 6239 is already very desirable, examples featuring tropical registers command heightened attention. Depending on environmental exposure and preservation over time, the black chronograph sub-dials can transform into a rich brown tone. Very few age as impressively as the present example, which displays an even, warm chocolate hue across all three registers.
Preserved in excellent overall condition, this reference 6239 with Mark II bezel and beautifully aged tropical registers stands as a testament to Rolex's enduring tool watch heritage. Offered by the family of the original owner, this fresh-to-market example presents a rare opportunity to acquire an unrepeatable example of an iconic vintage chronograph.
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.