Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1965 Reference No: 6240 Case No: 1'269'446 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted expandable Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex USA "C+I" clasp stamped 7-67 Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6240 can be considered without a doubt one of the most landmark models in the history of Rolex as it canonizes what is now an intrinsic part of the Daytona case architecture - the screw-down pushers - effectively incorporating the "Oyster case" technology into a Rolex chronograph for the first time ever. At the time of its launch in 1965, however, some clients had complains about the screw-down pushers (the most memorable: they would be unpractical with shirt cuffs), thus the model had limited success and production. In fact, pump pushers Daytona cases remained in production for 10 more years (with references 6262 and 6264) before being finally discontinued.
This example of the historical reference is offered in exceptionally original condition. Most notably, the chromed-plated brass pushers would loose their plating - as perfectly exemplified by the present piece - with relative ease and thus would most often be exchanged for service ones. It is more than remarkable to find a specimen still retaining its original pushers. Furthermore, accurate examination of the dial under direct sunlight shows a hint of dark chocolate tropicalization to the right side of the dial. While too subtle to classify the piece as "tropical", the process might go on over time, thus granting the new lucky owner of this timepiece pleasant surprises in the future.
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.
