Rolex - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 6240, repeated on the inner caseback
    Case No: 1’658’442
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 37 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a service letter from Rolex Japan

  • Catalogue Essay

    In production from 1965 to approximately 1969, the ref. 6240 was generally considered to be an experimental model from Rolex. This model was cased in stainless steel exclusively, and was fitted with an acrylic bezel that marks the tachymeter scale. Most notably, the ref. 6240 was the first from the “Cosmograph” line to be equipped with screw-down chronograph pushers, greatly improving the water resistance of the watch. Manufactured for only about four years, the ref. 6240 eventually evolved to the well-known references 6263 and 6265.

    While the reference 6240 is already extremely rare and highly revered to in the market, only an exceedingly small part of the reference was fitted with “Paul Newman” dials according to various scholarships and studies. In the world of vintage Rolex collection, arguably the most critical topic is the “originality” of a timepiece. The present timepiece, fitted with a 200 graduation bezel, beautiful “Paul Newman” stepped dial, is all original upon inspection by our specialists. The serial number 1’658’442 confirms what is generally accepted by the market that correct ref. 6240 with Paul Newman dials should have 1’658 million case number. It is worth noting that the present watch is only 31 numbers away from the ref. 6240 Paul Newman that was sold in The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN.

    In the world of vintage Rolex, arguably the most critical topic is the originality of a timepiece, and the present watch, fitted with a 200 graduation bezel, beautiful "Paul Newman" stepped dial and Mark 0 pushers. are all original upon inspection by our specialists.

    The present wristwatch is offered by the family of the original owner. It is also accompanied by a Rolex service letter from Japan, providing documentation of the originality of the watch. The condition of the watch is absolutely amazing. The well-proportioned case is preserved in overall excellent condition, and the numbers between the lugs are very crisp and clear. The step to the outer track is very vivid and pronounced; the “T Swiss T” designation is, as expected from this time: with tall center and short extremities, giving it a sort of pyramidal or “roof” look, ergo its Italian moniker “a casetta”, which literally means “little house” style.

  • 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

812

Ref. 6240, repeated on the inner caseback
An extremely rare, very well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial and screw-down pushers

Circa 1966
37 mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$1,100,000 - 2,000,000 
€127,000-230,000
$140,000-250,000

Sold for HK$2,125,000

Contact Specialist

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

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019