Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6239 inside caseback further stamped 6239
    Case No: 1'988'061
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Tiffany & Co.
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.64
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed by retailer Tiffany & Co.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Some of the rarest, most historically important and valuable Rolex wristwatches have been sold through the American retailer Tiffany & Co. The present watch featuring not only the jeweler's signature but also a "Paul Newman" dial, is an extraordinarily rare specimen. To date no more than a handful of correct examples have appeared on the market.

    Few retailers have had a relationship with Rolex like Tiffany & Co. has. The jeweler has proudly emblazoned its logo on a variety of Rolex wristwatches, ranging from the GMT-Master to the Cosmograph Daytona.

    Historically, the storied boutique has been the destination for collectors in pursuit of the finest and most attractive wristwatches. Furthermore, Tiffany & Co. has been mentioned numerous times in popular culture, ranging from literature to film. Joanne Woodward no less purchased the now record-breaking reference 6239 wristwatch with "exotic" dial from the retailer for her husband Paul Newman. Apart from the jeweler's signature, the present dial configuration is identical to Paul Newman's "Paul Newman" wristwatch.

    Featuring a three-dimensional dial with "Art Deco style" numerals, this ivory dial has aged with warm patina. At the time of production, retailers brought the dials to a third party to stamp their dials. The precise and fine details on this example, such as the serifs on the edge of each letter are remarkable.

    This watch most importantly has auction provenance. Known in the watch community, it was originally consigned by the original owner to auction five years ago and has resided in an important private collection for a number of years. Today, more than ever, provenance is particularly important in authenticating watches, demonstrating how the watch has been unaltered throughout the years, giving the buyer and collecting community a frame of reference and seal of confidence.

    Presented in honest and original condition, this watch also features the "ROW" stamp on the movement, indicating that it was made for the American market - an attribute that is correct for this dial configuration.

    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, reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. The model was originally announced as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

    The rarity and honesty of the present watch, combined with its good looks, renders it one of the most exciting and beautiful examples of reference 6239s to ever appear in the public eye.

  • 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 inside caseback further stamped 6239
An exceedingly rare and beautiful stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1969
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed by retailer Tiffany & Co.

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€171,000-343,000
$212,000-423,000

Sold for CHF396,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018