27 Rolex Incredibly Rare and Absolutely Sought After, Daytona Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, White Paul Newman Dial, Retailed by Tiffany & Co, With Rolex Letter, Reference 6239

Estimate: € 500,000 –⁠ 1,000,000

Sold € 689,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 6239
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1968
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 722
Case N°: 1 874 323
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Rolex Letter
Literature: Sold at Christie’s “Important Watches” Auctions Geneva, 17 November 2008 as lot 183 for CHF 171,000

Among the many collaborations that Rolex had with his retailers, testified by the inscription of their names on the dials of some incredible watches, the most historical, important and craved among collectors can only be one: that of Tiffany & Co. In fact, few retailers have had a relationship with Rolex like Tiffany & Co. has. The jeweler has proudly emblazoned its logo on a variety of Rolex wristwatches, ranging from the GMT-Master to the Cosmograph Daytona. Historically, the historic boutique has been the destination for collectors in pursuit of the finest and most attractive wristwatches. The example here offered is surely one of the most important collaborations between the two brands since: it is indeed a Daytona, reference 6239 with Tiffany & Co signature and the most renowned dial all over the world, the Paul Newman. Reference 6239, the very first model of the celebrated “Daytona” series, succeeded reference 6238 and could be found in sale catalogues in Europe as of 1964 and was in production until 1969. It is thought that the model was available in the US already in 1963. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, reference 6239 was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachometre scale engraved on the bezel and the subsidiary dials printed in a different colour than the main dial for better readability. The “Daytona” was added shortly later to mark Rolex’s sponsorship of the renowned NASCAR stock car race. The so-called “exotic“ or “tropical” dial, later surnamed “Paul Newman”, became soon available for reference 6239 and were either two-coloured white/cream and black or three-coloured, such as the present watch, with the addition of the red seconds scales. With a white background, this three-dimensional dial with “Art Deco-style” numerals, has an extremely appealing ivory color. At the time of production, retailers brought the dials to a third party to stamp their dials: the precise and fine details on this example, such as the serifs on the edge of each letter are remarkable. Presented in very nice and original condition, the present lot is absolutely one of the most exciting and beautiful examples of reference 6239s to ever appear in the public eye and extremely scarce testimony of collaborations between two of the most celebrated luxury brand of the history.