Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1969 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 1’958’514 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Paul Newman” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78350 19, endlinks stamped 557, max overall length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp stamped 78350, M11 Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex introduced the reference 6239 in 1963 as the very first Cosmograph Daytona model in their collection, and today it is one of the most sought-after vintage chronograph timepieces available. The Daytona has evolved over time with design and technical modifications, and today there are many references, and variations of each type. The red “Daytona” text was not displayed on the earliest models as Rolex initially marketed the reference 6239 as the “Le Mans” before settling on “Daytona” following their association with the Daytona International Speedway. The model was available in stainless steel, 14 karat, and 18 karat gold, and 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 and is appreciated for its rarity, enduring aesthetics, and celebrated history. The present watch is fresh-to-the-market, consigned by the family of the original owner. Overall well-preserved, it is fitted with an attractive black grèné “Paul Newman” dial with white subsidiary dials. The outer red seconds track coupled with the bright red of the “Daytona” text at 6 o’clock and Art Deco style font displayed in the subsidiary dials, further enhance the depth of this watch’s beauty. The luminous hour markers have a pleasing warm yellow hue.
Today, the “Paul Newman” Daytona is a grail watch, and this fully original example of the iconic model is sure to please collectors of vintage sports watches.
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.