Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1966 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 1’463’437 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "The Black Rose" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max. length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.69 Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex pouch Provenance: Daytona Ultimatum, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, Geneva 12 May, 2018 Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, page 34.
Provenance
Daytona Ultimatum, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, Geneva 12 May, 2018
Catalogue Essay
"God is in the details” as the popular saying goes. And in terms of details the present watch features quite a number making it incredibly rare, historically important and a must have for the savvy collector.
At first glance, the present wristwatch may resemble a typical, well- preserved reference 6239 model. Featuring a “Rolex Cosmograph” signature at 12 o’clock and “Daytona” inscription above the subsidiary register at 6 o’clock, it could seem familiar to the unassuming eye. Yet, a closer look reveals details that separate this timepiece from the ordinary.
Bearing a 1.4 million serial number, it is one of the earliest Cosmographs to display the “Daytona” designation above the subsidiary register at 6 o’clock.
Featuring a small “R” in “Rolex” and unequal spacing between the letters “D” and “A” in “Daytona”, this early silvered soleil dial graphically recalls the rare typology printed in red, known to collectors as the “Cherry Logo”. However, what really distinguishes this dial version is the black color of “Daytona”, making this dial configuration like no other. While subtler than its already-rare scarlet sibling, it is to the best of our knowledge, one of very few examples that has surfaced on the market so far.
The case is offered in extraordinary condition, showcasing all its original finishes and crisp edges. And just like the mythical, unique and naturally occuring black rose hailing from Halfeti Turkey, its rarity cannot be overstated.
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.