Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 6241 Case No: 1'996'007 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona 'Paul Newman' Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Mechanical, 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 37 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Rolex fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Literature: For another example of a reference 6241 'Paul Newman', please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 232 to 235.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Daytona reference 6241 was manufactured from 1965 to approximately 1969. The reference is fitted with a calibrated black acrylic bezel but still retains the push down buttons and a 6 mm. winding crown, which are the typical features of a reference 6239. The present watch is from the last year of production, which is indicated by its case number and its calibre 722-1, which was used in the last production run of this reference. This Daytona is further distinguished by its 'Paul Newman' dial and beautifully formed luminous dots that have nicely turned orange. Its rarity is further enhanced by its crisp case and very sharp reference numbers.
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.