Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'627'025
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Cherry Logo"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels, stamped ROW
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "57" and "7205" to the endlinks, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "2 71"
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Officially launched in 1963, Rolex's reference 6239 influenced and inspired generations of collectors across the globe, certainly redefining Rolex's name within the watchmaking industry. Marked as the first Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6239 was originally named the "Le Mans". However, as Rolex wanted to enter the American market, it started officially sponsoring and being the official timekeeper for the Daytona racetrack in 1962. Rolex then renamed the new Cosmograph "Daytona" that same year to further emphasize their relationship with the race track and its drivers.

    Throughout the years scholars and collectors have been able to categorize the reference in batches, each one with small variations from the previous and the latter. The present example from circa 1967 showcases a Mark II bezel - recognizable from the bezel scaling up still to 300, however without the 275 hash marks between 300 and 250 - this batch of bezels was produced just up to 1967.

    The present watch most notably displays an attractive "Cherry Logo" dial - referring to the light red "Daytona" inscription placed on top of the 6 o'clock subdial. It is estimated that not many "Cherry" dials were produced and the present reference was the first ever model to showcase this particular red Daytona inscription.

    In excellent overall condition, the present reference 6239 with "Cherry Logo" dial and Mark II bezel is a true testament of how Rolex delivered exceptional and reliable tools made to withstand the test of time and ever changing fashions. This lot represents a unique opportunity to capture the true essence and core of what Rolex stands and stood for throughout the decades.

  • 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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174

Ref. 6239
An uncommon and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Cherry Logo" dial and bracelet

Circa 1967
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€61,800-124,000
$60,100-120,000

Sold for CHF69,300

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022