Launched in 1963, reference 6239 was initially cased in stainless steel. The very earliest examples did not display “Daytona”. It was only later that Rolex experimented by printing “Daytona” in different positions on the dial. The very first Cosmograph featured the tachymeter scale on the bezel, unlike its predecessors references 6238 or 6234, which displayed it on the dial.

Most importantly, this watch is one of the first examples to bear the now iconic “Daytona” signature. It displays “Daytona” suspended below the “Rolex Cosmograph” inscription. Featuring a grené dial colored like Gandalf’s robe, this early reference 6239 displays several important details that illustrate the model’s aesthetic evolution. Similar to the early “Double Swiss” model, this dial displays a double “–T Swiss T–”. Rolex originally used dial stamps made for previous models as it began the Daytona production. As the bezel was larger, it covered a portion of the dial at 6 o’clock. Thus, they had to stamp “–T Swiss T–” again, this time immediately visible once fitted. The ‘T’ letters indicate the use of tritium.

Another important feature is the early brushed bezel. Calibrated to 300 units, the bezel is correct for this serial number. It is important to note that the satin finish does not overlap the engraved scale and is of such precision and regularity that we can safely assume this is how it left the manufacturer’s workshop. Like many first generation “Double Swiss” 6239s, the watch is equipped with a ROW movement bridge, proving it was made for the American market.