With reference 6239, Rolex inaugurated what can arguably be considered its most iconic, successful and collectible family of watches: the Cosmograph Daytona. Originally released in the USA in 1963, it became available in Europe only the following year. The American market was chosen for its closeness to the world of car racing. In fact, even the name Daytona was selected due to its American connotation, replacing the name “Le Mans” which had originally been devised for the model.

Reference 6239 was hardly ever cased in gold. During the reference's lifespan, approximately 300 examples were cased in yellow gold, which is quite astounding when one takes into account the model’s approximate 14,000 unit production run. Such a restricted production can be explained by considering the tool watch vocation of the model, which was conceived as a sport's watch and thus was preeminently demanded with the sturdy and lightweight stainless steel case.

Featuring a champagne dial with gold graphics inside the sunken subsidiary registers, this timepiece was one of the most luxurious Cosmographs available on the market during the late 1960s. Glamorous and eye-catching, it is yet another variant of the beloved "Paul Newman" model.

The dial is particularly impressive as all the luminous dots remain intact and full. The larger and slightly slanted "T Swiss T" designation at 6 o’clock is correct for the serial number. Furthermore, the champagne dial has aged gracefully, showing barely any sign of ageing. Displaying crisp graphics and eye-catching details, the dial is presented in a noteworthy state of preservation. The case is equally impressive, as the lug holes have a distance between the edge of the case, and two crisp hallmarks beneath the lugs are present. Later generation examples would feature white graphics inside the counters.

Interestingly, the present watch was delivered to London, as seen by the London hallmarks on the case and bracelet. The inside case back is stamped with the repeated serial number, meaning the present watch was made upon special order, along with "RWC Ltd" and London hallmarks for 1968, meaning the watch was delivered to the United Kingdom, possibly to a retailer like Asprey. The bracelet as well, is hallmarked for 1972, meaning that the watch probably was sitting in stock for a number of years before it was sold with its bracelet.