Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 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 Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 7.67
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6240 is one of the most historical Daytona models. At the time of its launch in 1965, it was the first Daytona wristwatch to be fitted with water resistant screw down pushers. As such, the dials were now available with the script "Oyster" to reflect the model's new technical ability. Manufactured exclusively in stainless steel, the reference featured a bezel with black acrylic insert rather than the metal bezel found on its contemporary pump-pusher brethren ref. 6239. A 'foundational' watch for all intents and purposes, the model remained in production for only 4 years before evolving into the reference 6263 (and 6265).

    This reference 6240 is yet another variant of the diverse model. Instead of bearing the "Oyster" designation, the dial displays "Rolex Cosmograph" with "Daytona" below in a smaller size. Furthermore, the dial has toned down from black, to a beautiful and rich brown "espresso" tone. The case is preserved in equally impressive condition, with crisp finishes to the top of the lugs and very sharp numbers between the lugs.

    It furthermore retains all the correct attributes such as the Mk 1 bezel and early "Millerighe" pushers, which this reference is particularly known for.

  • 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.

    View More Works

196

Ref. 6240
An early and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with espresso coloured "tropical" dial, "millerighe" pushers and bracelet

Circa 1965
37.5mm Diameter

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€53,200-106,000
$58,100-116,000

Sold for CHF69,850

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

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024