Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'997'734
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal.722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp 2.72
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona introduced into Rolex’s collection, was launched in 1963 and in production until around 1976. Available in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, the reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. The model was originally marketed as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually dubbed the "Daytona” when Rolex sponsored the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

    In addition to the rarity of this reference, the present Daytona is further highlighted by the now blue faded Daytona signature. A defect in the pigment has turned the signature, which was originally in white, to an attractive and subtle light blue shade.

    The watch is further enhanced with its attractive overall condition.

  • 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
An uncommon, attractive and very well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with blue "Daytona" designation and bracelet

Circa 1968
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF35,000 - 70,000 
€34,400-68,800
$37,200-74,300

Sold for CHF69,300

Contact Specialist

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

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022