Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 6264 inside case back stamped 6239 6241
    Case No: 2'736'720
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max length 210mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.68
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: A similar example of a reference 6264 with "Paul Newman" dial is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 308 and 309.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the rarest Cosmograph models, reference 6264 was produced for a few years only in the early 1970s. Together with reference 6262, it was the last Rolex chronograph watch to be fitted with pump pushers. Reference 6240, 6263 and 6265 all feature water resistant screw down pushers. While physically similar to its predecessor reference 6241, reference 6264 was fitted with the upgraded Valjoux movement calibre 727.

    The present watch is fitted with an beautiful "Paul Newman" dial, which is instantly recognizable due to its deco-style numerals within the subregisters. While Paul Newman himself donned an exotic dial reference 6239, his name is forever synonymous with exotic dialed Cosmograph wristwatches.

    Its black on white grainé dial, coupled with red "Daytona" text, makes for an incredibly eye-catching and attractive wristwatch. The luminous dots have aged to a pleasing warm yellow tone.

    Presented in excellent condition, this example boasts sharp finishes to the case and robust proportions. It furthermore retains its original and correct Mk 1 bezel, which is incredibly sought after today.

  • 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. 6264 inside case back stamped 6239 6241
A highly rare and most attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "exotic" dial and bracelet

Circa 1970
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF130,000 - 180,000 
€112,000-155,000
$134,000-186,000

Sold for CHF312,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017