Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 2'004'768 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6239 was the very first model within the iconic Cosmograph Daytona family, and was produced from approximately 1963 until 1976. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. The model was originally announced as the "Le Mans". It was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.
One of the most impressive "Paul Newmans" to come on the auction market in recent years, the present watch is a sight to behold. Displaying a black dial with ivory subsidiary registers, this reference 6239 is preserved in almost pristine condition. The outer ivory track remains unblemished, while the luminous dots are all round and intact, matching the hands. Both have aged with warm patina and are very attractive. All graphics are intact and vibrant. Furthermore, the case is incredibly sharp and crisp. This particular dial combination usually shows signs of aging, yet this particular watch is preserved in very impressive condition. Such trophy examples very rarely appear on the market and there is no telling when another example in such condition will appear again.
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.
