Rolex - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'626'500
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona ‘Cherry logo’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Stainless steel riveted Oyster
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diam.
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: For similar watches see Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 228-231 and pg. 264-267

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 6239 was the very first model of the iconic Cosmograph Daytona family, and was produced from approximately 1963 until 1976. Available in stainless steel, 14k and 18k gold, the reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachometer scale engraved on the bezel.

    The present, early example is fitted with a beautiful black matte dial and silvered sunken subsidiary dials, with the highly desirable, red ‘Daytona’ printed above the 6 o’clock subsidiary dial. Interestingly, the visibility of the “T-SWISS-T” designation on this unusual dial is completely obstructed by the case. When the dial is carefully removed from the case, as seen in the image on the left, one is able to admire this subtle detail. The early original bezel, calibrated to 300 units per hour, remains in place, adding to the collectibility of the piece. Completed with a gorgeous, riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, it is presented in overall excellent condition.

    There are very few watches in the world that carry such gravitas and desirability amongst collectors as the ‘Rolex Cosmograph Daytona’, from aspiring new collectors to the most seasoned, hence owning one is a must. This is a rare variant of reference 6239 that will certainly please even the most discerning collector of vintage Rolex sports watches.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. 6239
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial incorporating ‘cherry logo’, engraved tachometer bezel and bracelet.

1967
36.5mm Diam.
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 

Sold for CHF61,250

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016