Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 6241 Case No: 2'036'574 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman Musketeer" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "7205" and "71" to the endlinks, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "3 69" Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6241 was produced approximately from 1966 to 1969. Scholars estimate that no more than 3000 pieces were produced during the model’s manufacture period, and only a small part of them with “Paul Newman” dials: in fact, this dial configuration did not elicit much admiration from the clients at the time as it was deemed overly complicated and flamboyant, while Daytona users were looking for a reliable and easily readable chronograph. This is the reason behind the scarcity of this dial configuration, now re-evaluated as one of the most aesthetically pleasing and striking dial designs of all times.
Featuring a dial configuration almost identical to Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” watch, this reference 6241 is a remarkable example offered in extremely good and honest condition of both case and dial. Of particular note is the so-called “musketeer” dial, an unusual configuration where the subsidiary counters present sloped sides rather than vertically stepped sides. While this is the standard architecture for standard dials, it is extremely rare to find Paul Newman dials with this particularity.
Another remarkable detail is the Mk 1 bezel, which is correct for reference 6241 and adds a further layer of collectability to the timepiece. It’s condition is as honest and well-preserved as the rest of the piece. While the acrylic back inserts employed in this model were less prone to cracking that the infamous bakelite inserts found on early GMTs, they nonetheless often present such issue with ageing. Thankfully, this is not the case for the present insert.
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.