Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'988'112
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather, further accompanied by Rolex original stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet reference 7205 endlinks stamped 57 max length 165mm, and a second Rolex Oyster bracelet reference78350 19, endlinks stamped 557 max length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted box and two stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelets
    Literature: A similar example of a reference 6239 with "Paul Newman" dial is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 168-171.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The “Paul Newman” Daytona has been a favorite amongst collectors for many years now and its excitement and desirability never ceases to wane. Paul Newman himself wore a reference 6239 making the present watch a must have in any serious collection.

    Rolex introduced reference 6239 in 1963. With hindsight this was a crucial moment for the brand, it named the watch the"Cosmograph" and for the first time it removed the tachymeter scale off the dial and onto the bezel. The rest, as they say, is history. The model was initially marketed as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually dubbed the "Daytona” when Rolex sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race. Reference 6239 was produced until 1976 and was available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold.

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

    Property of the original owner, the present reference 6239 was offered to him as a gift from a friend of the family at the occasion of his First Communion at the age of 9. It was worn only on special occasions as a young boy (hence the length of the original bracelet) and only with the utmost care later on.

    On overall excellent condition and fresh to the market the present lot is a must have for a collector looking for an icon.

  • 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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Ref. 6239
A highly rare and most attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial, two additional bracelets and box

Circa 1969
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 
€85,700-129,000
$106,000-159,000

Sold for CHF231,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018