Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 6262 inside caseback stamped 6262
    Case No: 2'475'439
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    At Rolex, the year 1970 was marked by the launch of two Cosmograph references. While the reference 6262 was released with a metal bezel, the 6264 was released with an acrylic bezel. Compared to its predecessors, these two references were fitted with the upgraded caliber 727. As often in production, the new reference was launched when spare parts from the precedent was still available hence some of the first models produced, like the present one, using a caseback with the previous reference 6239 written inside. Both references were produced for a few years only and were the last Daytona references to be fitted with pump pushers, their screw-pusher counterparts (ref 6263 and 6265) soon overtaking them in popularity.

    Thus, reference 6262 represents a very unusual, transitional model with pump pushers and the new caliber 727. Its discontinuation not only represents Rolex’s ability to admit a miscalculation and swiftly correct it, but it furthermore makes it one of the rarest Daytona models, with a production run of 4 short years.

    The present example not only encapsulates this historical importance and rarity, but furthermore boosts them to the next level with the addition of an incredibly well-preserved white Paul Newman dial. With its luminous dots aged to a charming vanilla tonality and a beautifully well-preserved surface, it is a very attractive example. Exactly what one would expect to find on this 2.5 million serial watch, the dial features a white outer scale with white flat "T Swiss T" designation, an evolution from the previously seen red scales with sing-a-song T Swiss T designation.

  • 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. 6262 inside caseback stamped 6262
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet

Circa 1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 240,000 
€128,000-255,000
$140,000-279,000

Sold for CHF190,500

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