The reference 6241 was produced from approximately 1966 to 1969 with scholarship estimating no more than 3000 examples were manufactured, with only a small percentage fitted with the iconic “Paul Newman” dial. Produced in stainless steel as well as 14 karat and 18 karat gold, this reference was the first Daytona offered with a black acrylic bezel, offering an alternative to the steel bezel found on the reference 6239. Officially named the “exotic” dial by Rolex and now known worldwide as “Paul Newman” dials, they were poorly received by the market and discontinued at the beginning of the 1970s.

The “Paul Newman” dials of references 6239 and 6241 have several peculiarities. They are incredibly three dimensional, featuring a strong step between the outer track and the central area of the dial. Towards the end of the 1960s, the “T Swiss T” designation positioned at 6 o’clock was printed with a slight slant and thus dubbed the “sing-a-song” to collectors, which we see perfectly preserved on this example. Later generation dials would feature a flat “T Swiss T” script, no longer in a pyramid shape.

Today, Paul Newman Daytonas are not only the most coveted vintage chronographs amongst Rolex collectors, but have become a household name due in large part to the record-breaking, USD $17.8 million obtained for Paul Newman’s personal Daytona fitted with a “Paul Newman” dial auctioned by Phillips in New York in October 2017.

The present ref. 6241 is preserved in outstanding overall condition. The “Paul Newman” dial is flawless, free of any blemishes, and the cherry-red “Daytona” designation at 6 o’clock is vibrant, contrasting sharply with the ebony background. The luminous hour markers are perfectly preserved, each fully intact with a warm patina.

In addition to its wonderful state of preservation, it comes complete with its original box, guarantee, and hang tags. A grail chronograph for the elite collector, this Rolex Daytona reference 6241 is one of the finest examples to be offered publicly in recent memory.