Early Rolex Cosmograph Daytona models have marked a historical era for the manufacturer and is today one of the most celebrated and sought after timepieces by collectors. The ref. 6240 is one of the most important Daytona models produced. First released in 1965, it was the first reference to feature waterproof screwed-down pushers, a feature that still exists in current Daytona models. Only in production until 1969, it is estimated that approximately only 1,700 examples of the reference were produced over its production span.
Dubbed as the “Small Daytona” by collectors, the present attractive specimen features a small “DAYTONA” designation below “COSMOGRAPH” at 12 o’clock. Furthermore, a keen eye may notice the absence of the two sigma symbols next to the “T SWISS T” designation at 6 o’clock, a trait that is correct for this specific dial variant. Adopting a black bezel insert, the ref. 6240 features Mk1 screwed-down pushers with a correct Twinlock 700 crown.
The present timepiece is a clean example of the rare and highly sought after reference featuring all the desirable features a collector would want in a ref. 6240 “Small Daytona”. Bearing a 1.4 million serial from circa 1966, the present example is most likely one of the last of the variant produced. Nonetheless a treat for vintage Daytona lover’s to add a desirable and rare example to their collection.
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.
