940
Rolex
Ref. 6239
Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Period correct MK II bezel
- Clean and well-preserved reverse panda dial with lumes intact
- Rare Rolex U.S.A. bracelet
- Fresh to the auction market
One of the most iconic timepieces ever launched by Rolex, the Daytona was officially born in 1963, marking a new era for sports chronograph wristwatches with the first model to bear the “DAYTONA” signature being the ref. 6239. Unlike its "Pre-Daytona" predecessors, the 6239 features a tachymeter scale engraved directly onto the bezel rather than printed on the dial, introduced a refreshed, modern appeal to Rolex chronographs.
Circa 1965, different variations were offered with alternative dial designs created by dial manufacturer Singer. Extremely rare, these exotic dials were initially unpopular upon launch, resulting in very low production numbers. However, after Hollywood icon and racing driver Paul Newman was photographed in an Italian magazine wearing a reference 6239 fitted with a white Singer dial, collectors took notice. These exotic dials were subsequently nicknamed the "Paul Newman" dial in his honor.
Fresh to the auction market, the present Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6239 "Paul Newman" features a rare and striking black "reverse panda" dial. Dating from circa 1967 with a 1.5 million serial number, it represents an earlier example of the reference. The watch is offered in attractive overall condition, fitted with a period-correct and well-preserved Mark II bezel alongside a clean, original dial with round, intact luminous plots. Paired with a rare Rolex U.S.A. bracelet, this highly attractive timepiece is sure to capture the attention of vintage Rolex collectors worldwide.
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.