Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 6241, inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 1'766'079
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "71" and "7205" to the endlinks, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.69
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet 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.

    Out of the small percentage of 6241s blessed with the Paul Newman dial, it is safe to say that only a minuscule fraction retain a dial as well preserved as the present one, which can be considered practically flawless in all of its parts: from the unmolested matte finish, to the strong step to the outer scale, to the perfect tritium accents. The case is well preserved in remarkable, original and appealing condition, and the presence of the original riveted Oyster bracelet ref. 7205 with “71” endlinks and stamped “3 69” is the final icing on this remarkable horological cake.

    The “Paul Newman” dials of references 6239 and 6241 have several peculiarities. They are incredibly three dimensional, featuring a strong step between the outer track and the central area of the dial. Towards the end of the 1960s, the “T Swiss T” designation positioned at 6 o’clock was printed with a slight slant and thus dubbed the “sing-a-song” to collectors, which we see perfectly preserved on this example. Later generation dials would feature a flat “T Swiss T” script, no longer in a pyramid shape.

  • 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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185

Ref. 6241, inside caseback stamped 6239
A fine, very rare and extremely well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

Circa 1968
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 220,000 
€109,000-200,000
$131,000-240,000

Sold for CHF264,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021