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 reference 6241 with a striking black acrylic bezel was launched in 1965 and remained in production for only 4 years until 1969. The present timepiece bearing a 2 million serial not only signifies the end of its production, it is also cased in a metal of extreme rarity, the 14 karat yellow gold case. Produced with a comparatively lower quantity to the more common 18 karat variant, the 14 karat cases were made especially for the American market and are extremely collectible. A noteworthy detail for the collector with a keen eye is the “ROW” stamp found on the Valjoux 722-1 movement, an import code indicator for the designated market. Fitted with a stunning black dial contrasting with the luxurious sheen of gold subdials, the Daytona signature sits above the hour totalizer curve which further enhance its rarity.
Preserved in excellent condition with outstanding vintage appeal, the hallmarks on the underside of the lugs retains its clear and crisp edges. The present timepiece is sporty, yet classy, making this an ultimate chronograph for the 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.
