Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1967 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 1'626'231 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel folded links Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "1 71" Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6239 is truly a game-changing model: for the first time in Rolex history, the tachymeter scale is removed from the dial to the bezel, making this model the very first representative of the iconic Cosmograph Daytona family. It was produced from approximately 1963 until 1976 and was available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold. An intriguing trivia is that the model was originally named as the "Le Mans". It was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race - a choice possibly also motivated by marketing reason, the USA being at the time a fast growing market for the company.
The present example not only is a representative of this landmark model, but furthermore it sports the extremely sought-after and charming "Paul Newman" dial. In production as an alternative to the standard silvered and black dials, this dial configuration was originally named "exotic" by Rolex, before its association with the immortal actor. Paul Newman dials were poorly received by the public, and thus their production lasted for about 4-5 short years, making them today as scarce as they are appealing.
The present example boasts an incredibly well preserved dial, with pristine surface, vibrant graphics and absolutely intact luminous material. A "best in class" Paul Newman dial which will satisfy the demands of the most discerning collectors.
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.
