Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6241 inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 2'372'663
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 271, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 4.68
    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.

    Featuring a dial configuration identical to Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” watch, this reference 6241 is an exceptional example with an incredibly crisp case and extremely well-preserved dial. Of particular note is the slanted “T Swiss T” designation at 6 o’clock, which is a particularity of references 6239 and 6241. Its "Paul Newman" successors on reference 6262 and 6264 would feature a flat "T Swiss T" at 6 o'clock. This particular ivory white dial displays hardly any signs of aging, and the luminous dots remain full and intact. Furthermore, the case is preserved in incredibly crisp condition with sharp facets.

    Other details on this timepiece include the Mk 1 bezel, which is correct for reference 6241 and gives the watch a lot of presence on the wrist.

  • 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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158

Ref. 6241 inside caseback stamped 6239
An exceptionally well-preserved and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

Circa 1969
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€141,000-281,000
$156,000-312,000

Sold for CHF200,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019