Thierry Hermès first founded Hermès in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris. The company later expanded into travel bags, furniture and watchmaking. Hermès has preserved their impeccable reputation for almost two centuries, and remains to be the international leader in the luxury goods market today.

As Hermès is a leading retailer, it only made sense for them to work with Rolex, a market leader in the watchmaking industry. This highly sought after Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 features an acrylic bezel with printed tachometer and round “pump” pushers. Greatly adding to the collectability of this piece is the highly attractive “Paul Newman” black dial with gold registers and gilt writing. The combination of a black dial, with gold subsidiary dials and gold outer minute track is especially desirable, having received the catchy, “John Player Special” nickname in the collector community.

The present example is exceptionally rare, not only because it is encased in yellow gold, but it also bears the highly desirable “HERMÈS” stamping on the outer case back. Additionally, the caseback is stamped with French gold import marks and the stamp of Rolex France. Confirmed by Hermès in Paris, this very watch was retailed by Hermès and sold on 30 November 1971.

The double-signature adds a certain element of collectability that one cannot find in other watches, which is the wonderful duo of Hermès and Rolex working in tandem. The present example is the only one known, making it most probably unique.

The watch retains clear stampings on the caseback, which is a treat to see nearly 45 years later. Strongly defined lugs, and a case remaining in well preserved overall condition makes this watch the ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.