Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 2'112'916
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Today, the Rolex Daytona is one of the most cherished and beloved of all the collectible vintage wristwatches. It has had a long and storied past that has been both well documented and celebrated over the last decade. From in-depth studies of dials, calibers, chronograph pushers and archives, watch enthusiast have created a public record of the history of the Daytona and Rolex itself. In a sense, collectors and researchers have gotten into the mind of the company, and seen how the model evolved and transitioned over the years, from the early “pre-Daytona” chronographs of the 1950s and early 60s, to the first fully recognized Daytona, following Rolex’s sponsorship of the 24-Hours Daytona automobile race, the reference 6239, and finally to the modern chronographs that keep to their traditional past. The Daytona was and is a watch that was appreciated for its classic rugged appeal and a timepiece anyone could wear. Add to this legendary history the famed “Paul Newman” dial and the Daytona becomes even more rarified.

    The reference 6241 is a rare example within the Daytona family with production between 1966 and 1969. Research indicates that approximately 2000 examples were made in stainless steel, 300 in 18k yellow gold and 400 in 14k gold. The model replaced the reference 6239 and featured a black acrylic tachometer instead of the engraved bezel of the earlier reference. The case was redesigned and made slightly wider at the 3 to accommodate the crown in order to make the watch easier to wind. The reference 6241 was the first reference to include the wording “Daytona” on the dial.

    This exceptionally example from 1969 has a well-proportioned case with strongly defined lugs and a lovely "Paul Newman" dial. Fresh to the market and from the family of the original owner, this watch is the ultimate trophy watch for all Daytona collectors.

  • 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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FROM THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

912

Ref. 6241
An important, very rare and extremely attractive 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial

Circa 1969
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000 
€176,000-352,000
$205,000-410,000

Sold for HK$2,980,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018