1071
Rolex
Ref. 6241
Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
A very well-preserved, rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial, bracelet and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Dial free from blemishes and luminous material intact
- Last batches of ref. 6241
- Correct Mark I bezel and oval-shaped case profile
- Rare Rolex U.S.A. bracelet
The reference 6241 was produced between 1966 and circa 1970. Scholars estimate that no more than 3,000 total examples were manufactured during its brief but significant four-year production run, with only a small fraction featuring the highly sought-after “Paul Newman” dial. The present lot is blessed with an impressively well-preserved “Paul Newman” dial in the classic panda colorway, showcasing a crisp white center and a black outer register bounded by a sporty red track.
While the reference itself is inherently rare, examples featuring an exotic Singer-made “Paul Newman” dial represent only a tiny batch of the estimated 2,300 steel pieces produced, making them extraordinarily scarce. Fitted with a tri-color “Paul Newman” configuration, its design is identical in style to Mr. Newman’s personal reference 6239. A subtle and intriguing detail characteristic of exotic dials from this era is the slanted, red “T SWISS T” signature below 6 o'clock, contrasting with the flat print found on later references. Furthermore, cases for reference 6241 were manufactured in two distinct profiles: pre-1966 examples feature a rounder silhouette, while later executions present a more oval profile.
Bearing a 2.3 million serial number dating from circa 1970, this Rolex Cosmograph reference 6241 “Paul Newman” hails from the later production batch, correctly featuring the oval-shaped case profile paired with a period-correct Mark I bezel insert. Delivered in exceptional overall condition, it is exceedingly difficult to find a dial so well-preserved. The surface remains remarkably clean and free of blemishes which is astonishing for a timepiece over half a century old, also with a sharply defined step separating the main dial from the outer track. The cherry red “Daytona” designation provides a striking contrast against the white background, while the round luminous plots remain fully intact, having aged to a warm, buttery patina. Moreover, the watch is fitted with a rare Rolex U.S.A. bracelet, validated by the “C&I” bracelet maker signature on the clasp.
Having had the honor of offering this timepiece in 2019 at The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE, we are once again privileged to be entrusted by an important private collector to offer it back to the auction room.
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.