Rolex - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1’997’790
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster Bracelet stamped 7835 19, endlinks stamped 271, max overall length 190
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 4.71
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex service warranty dated June 5th, 1996, Rolex service estimate and paid invoice, Rolex service box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex launched the reference 6239 in 1963 as the very first Cosmograph Daytona model in their chronograph collection, and today the Daytona is one of the most sought after models with extensive wait lists at boutiques all over the world. Rolex initially marketed the reference as the “Le Mans” before settling on the “Daytona” moniker following the brands association with the famed 24-hour motorsport race. It was available in stainless steel, 14K, and 18K gold, and was the brand’s first chronograph to feature the tachymeter scale outside the dial incorporated on the bezel - a design feature that has remained ever since.

    A quintessential “Paul Newman” Daytona, the present example perfectly embodies the watch made famous by the Hollywood legend. It is thanks to this particular dial design that Cosmographs are now synonymous with the famed actor. Featuring a three-dimensional design with Art Deco-style numerals, the black grèné dial with white subsidiary dials, coupled with the bright red of the “Daytona” signature at 6 o’clock, and outer red 1/5th seconds track form a strikingly beautiful aesthetic. When first released, they were under appreciated, however with time the Paul Newman dial configuration became one of the most sought after by collectors, appreciated for its rarity, enduring aesthetics, and celebrated history.

    The present watch is fresh to the market having been gifted by the original owner to its current one. The watch was serviced by Rolex in 1996 and remains in excellent overall condition. The case retains strong proportions with a nicely aged dial, and is a lovely representation of this highly collectable chronograph. Few vintage wristwatches combine the looks, rarity, prestige, and wearability as the reference 6239 “Paul Newman” Cosmograph Daytona. The present watch will continue to be cherished by subsequent collectors, and is a wonderful grail watch to add to any collection. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Shriners International, a philanthropic organization provide support and care for children worldwide

  • 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

164

Ref. 6239
A rare, attractive, and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet, with Rolex service warranty, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Shriners International

Circa 1969
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF74,000-148,000
€70,900-142,000
HK$624,000-1,250,000

Sold for $207,900

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021