Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 6241
    Case No: 1’767’378, repeated inside caseback "6241"
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped “7205", endlinks stamped “71”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The ref. 6241 was produced between 1966 to 1969. Scholars estimate that no more than 2300 examples were manufactured during its short but sweet four-year production run, with only a handful boasting the highly sought-after “Paul Newman” dials.

    The present example is blessed with an impressively well-preserved “Paul Newman” dial in the reverse panda colourway, featuring a black center and white outer register with a red seconds track. Delivered in excellent overall condition, the dial is free of imperfections and the step between the outer track and the main dial is defined and prominent. The cherry-red “Daytona” designation is striking and pops out from the ebony background. Having aged beautifully through the ravages of time, the luminous plots have remained round and intact, and have developed a dark-grey patina that enhances the dial’s vintage appearance. Another desirable characteristic of this timepiece is its MK I bezel insert, which is correct for the reference and gives the watch an elevated wrist presence. Bearing a 1.76 million serial, the present ref. 6241 from 1968 is a must-have collectible.

  • 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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1005

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

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

Estimate
HK$700,000 - 1,400,000 
€80,800-162,000
$89,700-179,000

Sold for HK$1,143,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023