Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1964 Reference No: 6239 Case No: 1'081'009 Model Name: Cosmograph "Double Swiss" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, endlinks stamped 71, max. length 205 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding clasp, stamped 4.68 Dimensions: 36 mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
The first Rolex Cosmograph was released in 1963, and was given reference 6239. The huge step forward compared to earlier Rolex chronographs was the newly introduced bezel with an engraved tachometer scale, which was previously printed on the dial. This allowed for better readability and a clearer design.
The earliest dials are the so-called "Double Swiss" dials, like the present one. This interesting anomaly was a result of the fact that Rolex used tools originally engineered for earlier chronograph models during this transitional period. The present example is a most attractive specimen, featuring "tropical" subsidiary dials that have taken on a dark brown shade of espresso. The overall impact of this early Cosmograph is remarkable, not only thanks to its lovely overall condition, but equally thanks to its great vintage 1960s look.
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.