Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'997'758
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated September 30, 1970, original caseback sticker, multiple service documents and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6239 was the very first model within 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". It was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

    Preserved in excellent condition, the present timepiece displays a black "Paul Newman" dial. There is a "T Swiss T" printed in slanted script at 6 o'clock known as the "sing song" - a common feature of reference 6239 Paul Newman dials of the era. It is furthermore accompanied by many original documents such as the Rolex guarantee dated September 30, 1970 (that also has the original caseback sticker stuck on it), multiple service documents and presentation box.

  • 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 rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

Circa 1969
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€92,700-185,000
$109,000-219,000

Sold for CHF187,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020