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10

Rolex

Ref. 6239 "Le Déjà Vu"

Cosmograph Daytona

A rare, highly attractive and extremely well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with off-white ‘Paul Newman’ dial and tachymeter bezel

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 240,000
CHF293,750
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1968
Reference No
6239 "Le Déjà Vu"
Case No
1’875’547
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex buckle
Dimensions
36.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
A quintessential “Paul Newman” Daytona, this example perfectly embodies the Hollywood legend. It was during the filming of “Winning” that Paul Newman fell in love with racing. His wife, Joanne Woodward, consequently gifted this exact Daytona variant to her husband, inscribed with phrase “DRIVE CAREFULLY ME”. It is thanks to this particular design that exotic- dialed Cosmographs are now synonymous with the philanthropic icon.

The dial is remarkable and impressive. While almost fifty years in age, it is preserved in immaculate condition, showing how exotic dials originally left the Rolex factory. The ivory portion of the dial does not display any tarnishing or spotting, and the concentric circles within the contrasting subsidiary registers are defined and delicate.

Of particular note is the superb case. Showcasing full lugs, the satin finishes are crisp. The lug-holes remain a considerable distance from the edge of the case, evidence of its original condition. Sparking memories of Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman”, this model is one of the most iconic Daytonas ever produced, representing the high-octane world of auto racing, speed and glamour.

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.
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