Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 6241 Case No: 1’947’401 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Designed as the designated timekeeping tool on the wrist of professional drivers among racetracks, the three-handed Daytona chronograph is with no doubt one of the most robust icons of all time. The ref. 6241 with a striking black acrylic bezel was above all a rare series within the Daytona family, launched in 1965 and remained in production for only 4 years until 1969. Our research suggests that about 2000 examples were made in stainless steel, 300 in 18K yellow gold and 400 in 14K gold during the 4-year production run. It was also the first reference to include the wording “Daytona” on the dial and made available in both the standard two-tone as well as the “Paul Newman”, with 2 and 3 colors.
Produced during the last two years of the production run, as indicated by its serial number and fitted cal. 722-1, the present ref. 6241 cased in 18K yellow gold is complimented by a stunning champagne dial contrasted against the striking black subdials, and features the Daytona signature sitting above the hour totalizer curve which further enhances its rarity.
Created over half a century ago, the present watch is still extremely beautiful with its wondrous state of preservation and outstanding vintage appeal. Most notably, the dial is preserved in excellent condition, which has with time aged to an immensely attractive ivory tonality, pairing harmoniously with the luminescence of the gold hands. The pristine sunburst champagne finishing captures the eye immediately, with its clean and spacious layout reflecting light beautifully and constantly changing according to its incidence. The surface of the case has aged beautifully and developed an attractive layer of oxidation throughout, giving the present watch a unique characteristic of its own.
The overall appeal of this superb timepiece makes this an immensely collectible chronograph for 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.