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: 1'601'377
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "571" and "78350 19" to the endlinks, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "G 78350"
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Garantie stamped by St. Moritz retailer Bucherer and dated October 14, 1968

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex launched reference 6239 in 1962 as the very first Cosmograph Daytona model in their chronograph collection. It was the beginning of a legend, and today the Daytona is one of the most sought-after models with extensive wait lists at boutiques all over the world. Rolex initially marketed the reference as the “Le Mans” before settling on the more international sounding “Daytona” moniker following the brands association with the famed 24-hour motorsport race. The increasing prominence of the American market for the brand might also have something to do with this last second name change. In fact, the model was originally “pre-launched” - to use a modern terminology - in the States, while it became available to worldwide buyers only in 1963. It was available in stainless steel, 14K, and 18K gold, and it was the brand’s first chronograph to feature the tachymeter scale outside the dial incorporated on the bezel - its defining design feature.

    A quintessential “Paul Newman” Daytona, the present 6239 model bears the very same reference that the American actor brought to worldwide fame (and collectability), albeit this specimen features a black dial while Newman’s "Paul Newman" features a white one. With a three-dimensional design, Art Deco-style numerals and contrasting black grèné dial with white subsidiary counters and outer track, the dial architecture is flamboyant and yet sporty and framed, striking an incredible balance between looks and utilitarianism. As expected from early Paul Newman dials, the outer tracks feature red graphics and the "T Swiss T" designation is in sing-a-song style. In fact, the present example bearing 1.601M serial number represents one of the earliest examples of "Paul Newman" dials, which made their first appearance precisely around this period.

  • 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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196

Ref. 6239
An early, attractive and collectible stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial, bracelet and guarantee

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

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€101,000-201,000
$101,000-202,000

Sold for CHF214,200

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