Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 2’377’619; inside caseback stamped “6239”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal.722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The first Cosmograph Daytona, known as the reference 6239, marked Rolex's entry into the chronograph realm when it debuted in 1963, remaining in production until approximately 1976. Offered in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, this model boasted a groundbreaking feature: the tachymeter scale engraved on its bezel, a first for the brand. Originally marketed as the "Le Mans," it gained its enduring moniker, the "Daytona," after Rolex became a sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona race.

    Adding to the allure of this particular Daytona is the distinctive blue fading of the signature at 6 o’clock, originally rendered in white. This anomaly, caused by a pigment defect, has transformed the signature into a captivating light blue hue, adding a unique charm to the timepiece. Bearing a 2.3 million serial from circa 1970, the current 6239 showcases a robust case. Notably, the silver print contrasts beautifully with the charming faded baby blue inscription.

    Sure to delight discerning collectors who appreciate the racing legends, the present Rolex Daytona reference 6239 is further offered in excellent overall condition further elevating this timepieces desirability.

  • 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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70

Ref. 6239
An uncommon, attractive and very well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with blue "Daytona" designation and bracelet

Circa 1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€40,900-81,800
$43,700-87,500

Sold for CHF60,960

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024