Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 2’036’626, inside caseback stamped 6239
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 60, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 1.62
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 6241 is the cousin to the reference 6239, however, the engraved tachometer of the 6239 is replaced with a black bezel. Both feature the Valjoux caliber 722 or 722-1 with the 6241 produced between 1965 and 1969. The present watch from the last year of production, with the 722-1 caliber, is made more exceptional with the presence of the “Paul Newman” dial. Today’s connoisseurs view the Rolex “Paul Newman” as one of the “grail” watches they need to seek.

    The present watch is in lovely well-preserved condition with a clean and original “Paul Newman” dial. The white grainé is subtly offset by the engine-turned black subsidiary dials and outer red 1/5th seconds track. It is with the 6241 that the signature “Daytona” is officially used, which is seen in red print over the 12-hour register. The luminous plots have aged to a warm brown hue, and the dial is perfectly framed by the stainless steel case. This is a “Paul Newman” that is sure to delight the most demanding of collectors.

  • 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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FROM A PROMINENT ASIAN COLLECTOR

954

Ref. 6241
A very rare and fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet

Circa 1969
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$800,000 - 1,600,000 
€88,100-176,000
$103,000-205,000

Sold for HK$1,562,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018