Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 6239
    Case No: 1'874'244
    Model Name: Daytona "Solo Rolex Quick Silver"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet reference 7205, end links stamped 71, max. length 205mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp, stamped 4/69
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Literature: The present lot is illustrated in The Ultimate Rolex Daytona, (p.196-199), by Pucci Papaleo

  • Catalogue Essay

    Simultaneously rare and stunning, the “Solo Rolex Quicksilver” is so exceptional, it graces the cover of the landmark tome, “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” by the renowned scholar, Pucci Papaleo. A reference 6239 in stainless steel made in 1968, it’s fitted with an extraordinary, and quite possibly unique dial with only the word ‘ROLEX’ written in bold black enamel at 12 o’clock. Playfully nicknamed the ‘Solo Rolex’, the model name “Cosmograph” seen on nearly all other 6239s is missing, giving strong prominence to the iconic brand name.

    The main surface of the dial positively radiates, thanks to its silver, sun-ray - or soleil – pattern finish emanating from the dial’s centre, like fine beams of light. Oversized black registers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock provide a beautiful contrast, and, unusually, they’re adorned with silver-colored graphics instead of the more typical white-colored printing used. Above the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock is found the word ‘Daytona’, written in a pleasing, matching shade of dark gray. The most important and to the eye obvious difference is the commission of the model designation “Cosmograph”. One could think it was simply “forgotten”, but then the ROLEX name would be at the same position like on any other Daytona reference 6239 of the same period. Instead, ROLEX was moved downwards, not only conferring the upper half of the dial a beautiful balance but also demonstrating that this dial variant was intended to feature the “ROLEX SOLO” since its inception.

    Its desirability is further enhanced by its outstanding condition, with all luminous markers intact, each having aged to pleasing, varying shades of chocolate brown. This watch is, unquestionably, one of the rarest versions of the legendary Daytona. Possessing remarkable elegance, its importance in the field of collectible Rolex watches cannot be overstated. It is a trophy watch worthy of crowning the world’s most important collections of Rolex watches.

  • 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 extremely rare, important and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch

1968
36.5mm Diameter

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 

Sold for CHF509,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm