Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1’083’347, inside caseback repeated 6239
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Floating Daytona”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels, further engraved with ROW
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex USA Oyster deployant clasp stamped “7-60”
    Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Literature: A similar example prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp 152-155

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6239 was launched in the early 1960s replacing the former pre-Daytona ref. 6238. The introduction of the ref. 6239 would change the landscape of Rolex chronographs for decades to come. Iconic and cherished by collectors around the world due to its classic design, robustness and masculine appeal, it would go on to become one of the most important timepieces ever released with specific examples achieving impressive results at auction.

    Evolving from its previous model, the first Daytona reference featured a solid metallic bezel with a tachymeter scale inscribed for the first time compared to its previous models with a smooth bezel. Furthermore, the dial features a bi-coloured theme with contrasting registers replacing its former monochromatic theme. Featuring still its pump-style pushers derived from the ref. 6238, early examples of the ref. 6239 featured essentially the same cal. 72B as its pre-Daytona models. In 1964, Rolex sponsored both the French Le Mans 24-hour endurance race and the American Daytona 24-hour endurance races. While it is believed that the Cosmograph was intended for the European market, the Daytona inscription was specific for the American market. However, it quickly became obvious that “Daytona” was their final choice.

    The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6239 from circa 1964 with a 1 million serial is a rare treat for vintage Rolex collectors. Not only is it an early example featuring a small “Floating Daytona” designation underneath its signature but it is also double signed and retailed by one of the most prestigious names, Tiffany & Co. Prominently illustrated with the personalization of the prestigious signature Tiffany & Co on a silvered dial ref. 6239 with small Daytona in the Ultimate Rolex Daytona book published by Pucci Papaleo. It is evident that the signature is absolutely identical in both 6239 down to the very detail of the slightly warped alphabets within the signature. With all the correct components including a 300 unit bezel, its “T SWISS T” inscription at 6 o’clock in its desirable style, cal. 72 B stamped with ROW (confirming its present timepiece originally sold in the US market), and a Rolex USA Oyster deployant clasp, the present example is utterly rare. Boasting an attractive case and an attractive dial that has naturally aged over time and with the recent spike in demand for Tiffany & Co. signed timepieces, this ref. 6239 will surely impress discerned afficionados of vintage Rolex wristwatches.

  • 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

961

Ref. 6239
A very fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1964
36.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$630,000 - 1,300,000 
€80,300-166,000
$80,800-167,000

Sold for HK$1,071,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022