Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6264, inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 2’417’911
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference number 7835/19, end links stamped no. 271, max length 215mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 3.70
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box and outer box.
    Literature: A similar example of a reference 6264 with "Paul Newman" dial is illustrated in The Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 308-309.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Amongst all of the Cosmograph Daytonas, the reference 6264 is considered to be one of the rarest and most exclusive of all Daytona models made by Rolex. In production for a few years in the early 1970s, its release coincided with that of the reference 6262. While physically similar to their predecessor references 6239 and 6241, references 6262 and 6264 were fitted with the upgraded Valjoux movement caliber 727. The two references are nearly identical, except for the bezels. The steel bezel on the 6262 bezel is engraved, whereas the 6264 sports a highly resistant acrylic ring with tachometer scale printed in white. Both models would be the last to feature pump pushers, as the introduction of the of screw-down pushers cemented the design of the watch, and made it worthy of Rolex’s “Oyster” moniker as would be seen in the references 6263 and 6265. The rarest of all regular production Daytona models, it is believed that only some 1,700 examples in stainless steel were ever made of reference 6264.

    The present watch is fitted with a beautiful "Paul Newman" dial, which is instantly recognizable due to its deco-style numerals within the sub registers. While Paul Newman himself donned an exotic dial reference 6239, his name is forever synonymous with exotic dialed Cosmograph wristwatches. The black on white grené dial, coupled with red "Daytona" text, makes for an incredibly eye-catching and attractive wristwatch. The luminous dots have aged to a pleasing warm yellow tone.

    Presented in exceptional condition, this example boasts a crisp case with its sharp, factory finishing intact and robust proportions. The white grené dial is equally stunning with no imperfections and intact luminous hour markers that have aged uniformly to a pleasing vanilla color. It furthermore retains its original and correct Mark I bezel, which is incredibly sought after today. Very few reference 6264 Daytonas surface publicly, and the discerning collector is sure to appreciate the quality, condition, and aesthetic appeal of this premium example.

  • 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.

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Ref. 6264, inside caseback stamped 6239
An extremely rare, very fine, and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet

Circa 1969
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF199,000-399,000
€174,000-347,000
HK$1,570,000-3,140,000

Sold for $281,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018