Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 2’003’198
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 1 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Stainless steel Expandro bracelet stamped 5516 and original crystal.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Playing an important role in Rolex history, the reference 6239 introduced in 1963 was the very first Cosmograph Daytona model. The red “Daytona” text was not displayed on the earliest models as the brand initially marketed the reference as the “Le Mans” before settling on “Daytona,” which would start appearing on the dials shortly after the change. Available in stainless steel, 14K, and 18K gold, the 6239 was the first chronograph by the historic manufacture to feature the tachymeter scale outside the dial, incorporated instead on the bezel.

    Today, the 6239 with the “Paul Newman” exotic dial configuration is amongst the most sought after by collectors, appreciated for its rarity, enduring aesthetics, and celebrated history. Becoming increasingly rare is a fresh-to-market “Paul Newman” Daytona presented in hardly worn, original condition direct from the from the family of the original owner, such as the one offered here.

    The present watch is a stunning example, maintaining its lovely, original “Paul Newman” exotic dial in flawless condition housed in a very likely unpolished case. The black on white grené dial is instantly recognizable due to its Art-Deco-style numerals within the subsidiary registers and coupled with the bright red “Daytona” text at 6 o’clock, creating a strikingly beautiful aesthetic. The dial’s beauty is enhanced by the outer red 1/5th seconds track and well-preserved concentric circles of the subsidiary dials. The perfectly preserved luminous plots have begun to take on a pleasing and consistent warm sandy hue.

    With just over 2,000 case serial numbers between them, the present lot is the identical configuration of Paul Newman’s very own “Paul Newman” Daytona, ref. 6239 (serial number 2,005,325), that sold for a world record $17.8 million by Phillips in October 2017.

    The exceptional condition, rarity, and honesty of the present wristwatch is sure to please the most demanding aficionados of this horological icon.

    PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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

104

Ref. 6239
A fresh-to-the-market, attractive and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and tachymeter bezel

1968
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
$120,000 - 240,000 
CHF108,000-216,000
€111,000-222,000
HK$938,000-1,880,000
S$161,000-323,000

Sold for $381,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023