1029
Rolex
Ref. 6262
Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”
A rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial, bracelet and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Tri-colour black Paul Newman dial
- Transitional reference 6262 has one of the shortest production span from circa 1970 to 1971
In 1970, Rolex introduced two new Cosmograph references: the 6262 with a metal bezel and the 6264 featuring an acrylic bezel. Both models were powered by the upgraded caliber 727. Notably, these new references were launched while spare parts for the previous model were still available, which is why some early examples, like the present watch, have a caseback engraved with the earlier reference 6239. Both models had a brief production run and were the last Daytona watches to utilize pump pushers before the emergence of screw-pusher references 6263 and 6265.
In addition to the caseback, the present example features a classic tri-colour black Paul Newman dial, which is more commonly associated with the earlier ref. 6239. Due to some overlap between the end of the 6239's production and the beginning of the 6262's, Rolex may have utilized dials for early 6262 cases, as seen in this piece.
Even today, the reference 6262 is recognized as a rare transitional model, merging pump pushers with the new caliber 727 and it boasts one of the shortest production runs in Daytona history. Accompanied by a presentation box, this well-preserved example features luminous dots that have developed a charming buttery hue, and the surface remains in excellent condition, enhancing its vintage appeal.
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.