Making its important debut in 1963, the ref. 6239 was the very first reference to feature “Daytona” on the dial and was also the very first chronograph by the firm to have an engraved tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial. Produced mainly in stainless steel, the reference was also made in 14K and 18K yellow gold. Originally named as the "Le Mans", it was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race - a choice possibly also motivated by marketing reason, the USA being at the time a fast-growing market for the company.

While it was released with either a silver or a black dial, dial supplier Singer made a small batch of what was referred to as “exotic dials” and later known more commonly as “Paul Newman” dials. These rare and exotic dials featured an art-deco inspired graphic and typography compared to regular examples. It is believed that only between 1,000 – 1,500 examples of pump pusher references including 6239, 6241 and 6262 were produced with “Paul Newman” dials.

The present example Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6239 “Paul Newman” from circa 1967 with a 1.69 million serial is an extremely rare sight to behold. While the exotic “Paul Newman” dials began its production during the 1.6 million serial, it is worth noting that the early examples also carries register hands the are fully painted in white, later examples will not have this trait. With a total of three marks of engraved bezel, the present bezel is a period correct MK II bezel indicated by the intervals of 225, 250, and 300. Not only is it a clean example boasting a clean off-white dial, it has also developed a tropical brown patina on all three registers due to natural aging, which brings the rarity of the present timepiece to a whole new level. With attractive luminous material and a nice case with crisp lugs, the numbers in between are also original and untouched.