Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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    • Manufacturer: Rolex
      Year: Circa 1968
      Reference No: 6241
      Case No: 1'757'897
      Model Name: Paul Newman "Champagne"
      Material: 18K yellow gold
      Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
      Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, 71 end links, max length 205mm
      Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.72
      Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
      Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

    • Catalogue Essay

      Daytona chronographs with the coveted “Paul Newman” dials are rare, but the reference 6241 is amongst the rarest. In production for only 3 short years from approximately 1966 to 1969, we estimate that roughly 2000 pieces were produced in stainless steel, with around 1/3 of produced examples cased in yellow gold. Of all the gold combinations (18K and 14K), 18K yellow gold cases are the rarest, such as the present example.

      Featuring a large "T Swiss T" designation at 6 o’clock, this bi-color "Paul Newman" dial is correct for a Cosmograph bearing a serial number of 1.757 million, which is completely within a batch of other known examples with this dial configuration. Other known examples of the reference 6241 in 18K yellow gold with the same dial configuration include:

      1) 1'757'864
      2) 1'757'887
      3) 1'757'890
      4) 1'757'900

      Displaying crisp graphics and eye-catching details, the dial is presented in a noteworthy state of preservation. The luminous dots are all intact and round, making for an extraordinarily good-looking dial. The case is equally impressive, as the lug holes have a distance between the edge of the case, and two crisp hallmarks beneath the lugs are present. Furthermore, the Mk 1 bezel, along with 71 end links are correct.

      This timepiece has been untouched and unaltered since its original sale at auction over 18 years ago, having been left in a safe, untouched over time. Such original, and beautifully well-preserved Paul Newmans hardly ever appear on the market, marking an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire a trophy exotic-dialed Cosmograph Daytona.

    • 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.

      View More Works

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Ref. 6241
A highly attractive, beautifully preserved and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and "Paul Newman" champagne dial

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

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
CHF350,000 - 700,000 
€364,000-729,000
$400,000-800,000

Sold for CHF762,000

Contact Specialist

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

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023