Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 2’371’114
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, Paul Newman
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, max length 185
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "79"
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s reference 6241 chronograph was produced between 1966 and 1969, making it one of the rarest models available, and while research indicates approximately 3000 timepieces were made, only a small portion are believed to feature the famed “Paul Newman” dial. Identical to the first “Daytona” model, the reference 6239, the 6241 has an acrylic bezel in place of the metal bezel and the dial carries the “Daytona” signature in reference to the Florida race track where Rolex is a proud sponsor. A precursor to the next generation “oyster” timepieces with screw down chronograph buttons, the reference has a modern aesthetic that is masculine and an icon amongst today’s collectors.

    The present example is in lovely condition and features a stepped dial configuration identical to Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” with flat ivory background, black sunken subsidiary dials and red outer track. It is interesting to note the slanted T SWISS T at the 6 o’clock is particular to the references 6239 and 6241 with the next generation references 6262 and 6264 designed with a flat T SWISS T at the six o’clock. Scholarship finds two case profiles were created for the model with a rounder case made until 1966 and a later more oval-shape afterwards. This reference 6241 features the correct MK1 bezel with the second series oval case.

    The history of the Rolex Daytona stretches back more than 50 years and today it is one of the most sought after timepieces available on the market. The present lot is an attractive and collectible example of the reference 6241 both for its overall fine condition and lovely “Paul Newman” dial.

  • 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

908

Ref. 6241
A rare fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and riveted bracelet

Circa 1969
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$940,000 - 1,870,000 
€107,000-213,000
$121,000-240,000

Sold for HK$1,875,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019