Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 1'533'966
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, "The Copper-Tone"
    Material: 14k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: This watch is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 220-223

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is a simply stunning example of a Rolex reference 6241 - one of the rarest references of all Cosmograph Daytona models. Reference 6241 was launched in 1966 and remained in production only until 1969. The present example in 14 karat yellow gold is highly desirable and rare as it was sold exclusively in the American market. It is estimated that only 400 were made during these three short years of production.

    So exceptional is this watch, it was bestowed the name “The Copper Tone”, and is featured prominently in Pucci Papaleo’s “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” tome. Fitted with a gorgeous champagne-colored dial, when illuminated, it exhibits copper hues that perfectly match the warm, golden color of its 14 karat gold case. The subsidiary dials are "tropical", having aged beautifully and now displaying subtle hints of dark chocolate brown.

    Further enhancing its rarity is the pure white printed graphics used within the subsidiary dials, rather than gilt printing. The “T-SWISS-T” designation at the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock indicates the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers. The present example bearing the serial number 1'533'966 dates to 1966, which is absolutely correct for the reference.

    The watch retains clear and crisp hallmarks on the underside of the lugs, which is a treat to see nearly 45 years later. A noteworthy element to mention is the ‘ROW’ stamp found on the Valjoux 722 movement, which is an import code indicating the watch was indeed imported to the American market.

    This sporty, yet elegant watch is in excellent overall condition making this example an ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Rolex

Ref. 6241
An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with a champagne-copper colored dial, and white graphic "tropical" registers

1966
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€73,400-147,000
$82,400-165,000

Sold for CHF185,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016