150
Rolex
Ref. 6239
Cosmograph Daytona “Jumbo Logo”
A desirable and interesting stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Jumbo Logo” designation and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
•Rare “Jumbo Logo” Cosmograph Daytona
•Crisp case condition, movement stamped ROW for the American market
•Fresh-to-market
The Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239 was in production for a successful six years, between 1963 and circa 1969. By examining a relatively narrow range of serial numbers dating to 1966, it appears that Rolex were determinedly experimenting with the placement of the Daytona logo. The model name first appears on the dial prior to this era in a “Small Logo” font. Between the 1.41m and the 1.47m serial number range, you see the full gamut of logo placements and sizes as Rolex sought to find the combination that would eventually remain the configuration to this day, with the logo above the counter at 6 o’clock.
One can assume that since the earliest “Small Logo” Daytonas were destined for the American market, these later “Jumbo Logo” Daytonas were to meet the same fate, but the logo was enlarged for balance and legibility. Of course, this is not an absolute rule, as Rolex and its retailers were fond of switching out dials and bezels and bracelets at the request of clients.
Not only is this 6239 “Jumbo Logo” Daytona a fascinating snapshot of a particularly creative moment in the history of Rolex, but it has been impressively well-preserved for almost exactly six decades. It retains its original 300 UPH calibrated bezel, and all hands are original and correct for the period. The crisp case condition and beautifully preserved dial with fully intact luminous material make this an extremely desirable example, when combined with its historical relevance and rare configuration.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.