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1012

Rolex

Ref. 6239

Cosmograph Daytona

An attractive and well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and ‘baby blue’ Daytona logo

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The reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona introduced into Rolex’s collection, was launched in 1963 until 1976. Available in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, the reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. The model was originally marketed as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually dubbed the "Daytona” when Rolex sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

The present lot reference 6239 is a rare variant due to the 'blue' Daytona signature. These examples were produced during the very last years of reference 6239 before it was discontinued. A defect in the pigment turned the Daytona signature into an attractive and subtle light blue shade. Thus, earning its nickname amongst the collectors as ‘Baby Blue’. This is an unusual and rare variant of reference 6239 that will certainly please the discerning collectors.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905

Founded 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.

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