Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1965
    Reference No: 6240 inside case back stamped 6239
    Case No: 1'269'486
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.63
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6240 is one of the most historical Daytona models. At the time of its launch in 1965, it was the first Daytona wristwatch to be fitted with water resistant screw down pushers.

    This reference 6240 is yet another variant of the diverse model. Instead of bearing the ‘Oyster’ designation, the dial displays ‘Rolex Cosmograph’ with ‘Daytona’ suspended below in a smaller size. As this timepiece shares the same dial configuration with the ‘Floating Dial’ reference 6239, one can conclude that Rolex used existing dials while testing out its new and innovative ‘Oyster’ chronograph model. Furthermore, the dial has toned down from black to a dark grey tone.

    If furthermore retains all the correct attributes such as the Mk 1 bezel and pushers, which this reference is particularly known for. The inside case back is further stamped 6239 which is correct.

  • 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

171

Ref. 6240 inside case back stamped 6239
A rare and early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "floating" Daytona logo and bracelet

Circa 1965
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€26,400-44,000
$30,700-51,200

Sold for CHF52,500

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018