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Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1967
Reference No: 6240 inside caseback stamped 6240
Case No: 1'658'495
Model Name: Cosmograph Oyster "RCO"
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex C&I Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max length 180mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.73
Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
An extremely early version of the reference 6240, the present watch is a precursor to what we would become the extremely well-known Oyster Cosmograph. Reference 6240 is one of the most historical Daytona models. At the time of its launch in 1965, it was the first Daytona wristwatch to be fitted with water resistant screw down pushers. As such, the dials were now available with the script "Oyster" to reflect the model's new technical ability. Manufactured exclusively in stainless steel, the reference featured a bezel with black acrylic insert rather than the metal bezel found on its contemporary pump-pusher brethren ref. 6239. A 'foundational' watch for all intents and purposes, the model remained in production for only 4 years before evolving into the reference 6263 (and 6265).

As such, the present watch is a most horologically interesting model as the dial displays the text “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”, acknowledging the new and innovative water resistant screw-down pushers. This concept is forerunner to the better-known “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman” as both variants feature the word “Oyster” below “Rolex Cosmograph” turning the typical dial layout upside down. Exceedingly rare, research shows that a handful of these watches are known. As a nice touch, the subsidiary registers are now slowly turning a dark espresso "tropical" tone, giving it a charming appearance.

Other particulars are the correct first generation pushers with the brass peeking through, which have aged with patina. This Cosmograph furthermore retains its MK 1 bezel and original twinlock 700 series winding crown, characterized by the large Rolex coronet.

Most importantly, the consignor of the watch had acquired this piece through the original owner, which is important for scholarship as it shows that these dials were available on the commercial market.
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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