Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 6239 inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 1'419'210
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Tiffany & Co."
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72 and stamped ROW, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.69
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6239 was the very first model of 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 trademark of what would become one of the most successful, desired and recognisable line of timepieces ever created. The model was originally announced as the "Le Mans". Yet, it was eventually named the "Daytona” after the 24 Hours of Daytona automobile race.

    Having already appeared once at auction and surpassing its original estimate by almost three times, the present watch is an impressive specimen. It not only displays a "Big Daytona" script below "Cosmograph Daytona", it also bears the signature of storied retailer "Tiffany & Co." Few retailers have had a relationship with Rolex like Tiffany & Co. has. The jeweler has proudly emblazoned its logo on a variety of Rolex wristwatches, ranging from the GMT-Master to the Cosmograph Daytona. Notably it features a larger and longer "Daytona" text below "Rolex Cosmograph". This signature, coupled with the Tiffany & Co. script, makes for the pleasing effect of the text being in the shape of the pyramid.

    Presented in impressive and original condition, this watch boasts thick, full lugs and crisp numbers between the lugs. The luminous dots on the dial are also round, intact and display warm patina. This watch also features the "ROW" stamp on the movement, indicating that it was made for the American market - an attribute that is correct for this dial configuration. As an interesting note, research shows that the original owner was a Japanese gentleman, who purchased this timepiece while on his honeymoon. Most notably, there is a code engraved underneath one lug, which is most probably an internal Tiffany & Co. code, similar examples of which can also be found on other Tiffany & Co. signed Rolex wristwatches.

  • 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 inside caseback stamped 6239
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1966
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€63,800-128,000
$69,800-140,000

Sold for CHF88,900

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024