Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1968 Reference No: 6241 Case No: 1’765’415 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, endlinks stamped 58, max overall length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 4.64 Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 was produced from approximately 1966 to 1969 with scholarship estimating no more than 3000 examples were manufactured, with only a small percentage fitted with the iconic “Paul Newman” dial. Produced in stainless steel as well as 14 karat and 18 karat gold, this reference was the first Daytona offered with a black acrylic bezel, offering an alternative to the steel bezel found on the original Daytona reference 6239. Officially named the “exotic” dial by Rolex and now known worldwide as “Paul Newman” dials, they were poorly received by the market and discontinued at the beginning of the 1970s.
The “Paul Newman” dials of references 6239 and 6241 have several peculiarities. They are incredibly three dimensional, featuring a strong step between the outer track and the central area of the dial. Towards the end of the 1960s, the “T Swiss T” designation positioned at 6 o’clock was printed with a slight slant and thus dubbed the “sing-a-song” to collectors, which we see perfectly preserved on this example. Later generation dials would feature a flat “T Swiss T” script, no longer in a pyramid shape.
Bearing a correct 1.76 million serial number, the present 6241 additionally is fitted with a desirable early bezel and a very well-preserved riveted Oyster bracelet. The “Paul Newman” tricolor dial is vibrant and incredibly well-preserved, with all original luminous material and no visible flaws. Furthermore, the case features strong proportions and crisp edges, making it an outstanding example for the connoisseur.
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.
