Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1966 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 1'417'910 Model Name: Cosmograph Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 71 end links, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.65 Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
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 brand'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.
The present watch is an increasingly rare variant of a reference 6239, with a black grained dial and white graphics - to date, less than 10 examples of the present watch have been presented at auction with this dial configuration, underscoring its rarity. While similar in appearance to the first generation reference 6239 or “Double Swiss Underline”, this watch displays a “T Swiss T” inscription at 6 o’clock rather than “Swiss”. Instead of using radium, dial makers now used tritium for the luminous dots due to changes in regulations. This layout shows how the reference gradually evolved. It demonstrates how Rolex expanded its repertoire by slowly altering existing formulae.
Preserved in exceptional condition, the early bezel is very crisp. The dial itself is preserved in marvellous condition and the luminous dots now display warm patina and exhibit a beautiful orange/pumpkin hue. The numbers between the lugs are crisp and very deep, attesting to its original condition. Most interestingly, a series of numbers ending with "Z3" is visible underneath the lug. Research shows the these numbers are an inventory number of Beyer Zurich, adding to the collectability of the watch.
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.