製造商: Rolex 年份: Circa 1968 型號: 6241 錶殼號碼: 2’084’231 型號名稱: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" 材料: 14K yellow gold 機芯: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Leather 錶扣: Rolex gilt pin buckle 尺寸: 37mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. 配件: Accompanied by original crystal, Rolex strap, and provenance letter from original owner.
圖錄文章
Daytona chronographs with coveted “Paul Newman” dials are rare, but the reference 6241 is amongst the rarest. In production for only 3 short years from 1966 to 1969, scholars estimate that roughly 2000 pieces were produced in stainless steel, around 300 in 18k yellow gold and approximately 400 in 14k yellow gold. The present watch is part of the mega-rare 14k yellow gold models mostly destined for the American market. Many of them were manufactured in one batch, fitted with either black or champagne exotic or non-exotic dials. The following examples have all been sold by Phillips and bear serial numbers very close to each other:
2'084'222, sold Phillips Geneva May 2017 with champagne Paul Newman dial 2’084’231, the present lot 2'084'241, sold Phillips Geneva May 2017 with black Paul Newman dial signed Tiffany & Co. 2'084'285, sold Phillips Geneva November 2020 with black Paul Newman dial 2'084'332, sold Phillips Geneva May 2019 with champagne Paul Newman dial 2’084’363, sold Phillips Geneva May 2019 with black Paul Newman dial 2’084’863, sold Phillips Hong Kong June 2021 with black non-exotic dial
This reference differed from other Daytona models with a new case design that introduced a small protrusion under the crown, which allowed easier winding of the Valjoux caliber 722. It also featured a new bezel composed of a metal support fitted with a black acrylic insert featuring a tachymeter scale printed in white. The “T SWISS T” designation at the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock indicates the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers. It is also from this reference on that the word ‘Daytona’ would be officially printed on the dial.
The warmth of the 14k yellow gold case perfectly matches the gorgeous cream-colored grené dial, framed and set apart by the black acrylic bezel – the true protagonist of the watch. Absolutely correct for its 2 million serial number, the Paul Newman dial configuration is preserved in superb condition, fully retaining all of its luminous hour markers and with hardly any noticeable flaws, even under close examination. The case has likely never been polished, retaining the original brushed finishing to the caseback, full lugs, and even pin holes. The two squirrel hallmarks used to demarcate 14K yellow gold on Swiss watch cases are perfectly intact.
In excellent overall condition, this beauty has been hidden and unworn for quite some time as recounted by the original owner in his provenance letter. As the General Manager of AAR Corp in the 1960s, he was given this 14K yellow gold 6241 as a reward for excellent yearly performance. He wore it for a few years until tucking it away, having only recently discovered its present-day value. It arrived fitted with the original strap and buckle, as well as the original crystal. We are thrilled to present this unspoiled example of the 6241 champagne Paul Newman directly from the original owner.
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.