Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 1'767'451
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "7835 19", endlinks stamped "357", max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    It is always cause for excitement when a new, previously unknown timepiece appears on the market. When a new piece is offered by the original owner, the excitement becomes the thrill of being the next custodian of a piece which has been treasured for decades by only one savvy owner. And finally, when such a watch is as collectible and attractive as the present reference 6241 Paul Newman, one could say they have hit the horological jackpot.

    Indeed, this never before seen Paul Newman has been the property of the same person for 40 years, since receiving it as a present for his 21st birthday. He obviously took utmost care of the piece. The dial is absolutely original and unrestored. The luminous material of both the plots and hands has aged over time to a dark-greenish hue, a subtle patina has developed on the black background, and the Daytona designation has turned ever so slightly to a more nuanced and soft red tonality.

    Working in ensemble, all these elements highly enhance the attractiveness and vintage vibe of the dial, and at the same time denote the absolute impossibility of any sort of intervention. All the other details the connoisseur would expect to find on a reference 6241 Paul Newman dial of the time are also present, including the “sing-a-song” T Swiss T designation, and a very pronounced step to the outer track. Even the bracelet is the original one: reference 7835, featuring folded-over links.


    Considering the immense popularity of these watches , it is safe to say that it will be increasingly difficult to come across such never-before-seen gems, especially in such attractive condition, making this one of the last chances for the avid collector to acquire such an important timepiece.

  • 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

172

Ref. 6241
A very fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

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

Estimate
CHF110,000 - 160,000 
€96,700-141,000
$113,000-164,000

Sold for CHF162,500

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