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125

Rolex

Ref. 6239

Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"

A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 140,000
CHF155,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
1967
Reference No
6239
Case No
1'626'412
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, stamped 78350, max. length 205 mm, endlinks stamped 571
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel deployant clasp, stamped I11
Dimensions
36.5 mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories
Accompanied by additional leather strap and stainless steel Rolex buckle
Catalogue Essay
The reference 6239 was the very first model of the celebrated "Daytona" series, and was produced from approximately 1964 until 1976. Available in stainless steel, 14k and 18k gold, the reference 6239 was the firm's first chronograph with the tachometre scale engraved on the bezel. The so-called "exotic" or "tropical" dial, later named the "Paul Newman" by collectors, became available shortly after the 6239's introduction.

There are very few watches in the world that carry such gravitas and desirability amongst collectors as the ‘Rolex Paul Newman Daytona’, from aspiring new collectors to more seasoned ones, hence owning one is a must.

Condition is key as is with many things, but in the world of Daytona collecting, it almost becomes a science. From the clarity of the sub dials, to the lume plots remaining intact, all these factors come together to create high desirability, and the present watch is one of those.

The case retains its correct proportions, the UPH bezel is still legible, the dial is as sharp as any collector could hope for, with striking contrasts from the white sub-dials against the black, and there is no loss to the edges of the dial as often can be found on the exotic dials.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905
Founded 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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