Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1970 Reference No: 6262, inside caseback stamped 6239 Case No: 2’416’813 Model Name: Daytona "Paul Newman - Musketeer dial" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable bracelet, reference 6635, end links stamped 57, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.66 Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
At Rolex, 1970 was marked by the launch of two Cosmograph references; the 6262 with the silver bezel and the 6264 with an acrylic bezel. Very similar to the previous generation, these two references were fitted with the upgraded caliber 727. As often in production, the new reference was launched when spare parts from the precedent was still available hence some of the first models produced, like the present one, using a caseback with the previous reference written inside. Both references were produced for a few years only and were the last Daytona references to be fitted with pump pushers.
Displaying yet another variant of a “Paul Newman” dial, this tri-color reference 6262 displays numerous points of great interest. The most interesting being the so called “Musketeer” dial. Most of the Paul Newman dial have concentric circle pattern on the subdials. However, on this specific dial, the subdials have those concentric circle covering only two-third of their surface, leaving the outer portion, where the numerals are printed flat. The “T Swiss T” designation at 6 o’clock is also flatter than its predecessors.
Presented in excellent condition, this rare dial version is stunning and is further framed by a beautiful MkI bezel. This exclusive combination will appeal to the most discerning Daytona collector.
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.