Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 1’756’531
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "7835", end links stamped "271", max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamp "1.69"
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Serpico & Laino, instruction manual, booklet and document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Released in 1965, the ref. 6241 and produced until approximately 1969 for a total of four years, it is estimated by scholars and established connoisseurs that only 2,300 examples of the ref. 6241 in stainless steel were produced, making the reference one of the rarest examples from the manually-wound Daytona era.

    Although the entire reference alone is considerably rare, examples that feature the exotic Singer-made “Paul Newman” dials that take up a small batch from the 2,300 examples of the reference produced are extremely scarce. Fitted with a tri-coloured “Paul Newman” dial, the style is identical to Mr. Newman’s personal ref. 6239 “Paul Newman”. With a distinctive trait for exotic dials from the respective era, a keen eye may notice the slanted “T SWISS T” featured in red writing underneath the 6 o’clock position with other references featuring a flat “T SWISS T”. Moreover, the case for the reference were produced with two profiles with examples made before 1966 featuring a rounder appearance with examples later featuring a rather oval appearance.

    The present example Rolex Cosmograph ref. 6241 “Paul Newman” with a 1.7 million serial from circa 1968 is of the later batch of the reference featuring an oval-shaped case and a correct Mk I bezel insert is an interesting and desirable timepiece. Not only the present model is offered in excellent condition but it also accompanied by all the accessories making this “Exotic” Cosmograph one of the few known in “full set” condition.

  • 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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Property from an Important Asian Collector

909

Ref. 6241
A rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1968
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$1,200,000 - 2,000,000 
€153,000-255,000
$154,000-256,000

Sold for HK$3,276,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022