141 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 6239, Called “paul Newman”, Natural Tropical Brown Registers Dial, Stainless Steel, Fresh to the Market and for Approximately the Last 30 Years in the Same Family.

Estimate: € 250,000 –⁠ 350,000

Sold € 523,398

Model: Daytona
Material: Stainless steel
Reference N°: 6239
Year: Circa 1969
Case N°: 2005379
Caliber: 722 manual
Bracelet: Rolex Oyster stainless steel bracelet
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case, movement and bracelet

If there is one watch that has been firmly at the center of attention these past few years or so, it’s the Rolex cosmograph Daytona. While the Daytona began its life as a bit of a sleeper, gaining traction only after the watch famously adorned the wrist of Paul Newman, it has now become a fully fledged legend with prices to reflect. The Daytona, originally named just cosmograph – gaining the Daytona signature following Rolex’s sponsorship of the Daytona Beach 24hr Le Mans – was an evolution of the Oyster chronograph; designed to address the increasing demand for a watch to suit the needs of racing drivers. With the introduction of the reference 6239, the tachymeter had been removed from the dial and engraved directly into the bezel, allowing for a higher legibility and a striking design. This particular example in the same family for approximately 30 years, will go under the hammer with Monaco Legend Auction this coming 14th of January, features the “exotic” dial as it was then known, now universally known as the “Paul Newman” Daytona. As with many vintage items, the condition of any given piece is of crucial importance. A relatively recent trend, which somewhat contradicts the condition principle, known as “Tropical” ageing is multiplying the value of particular vintage watches. This reference 6239 is a perfect example of a “Tropically” aged dial, with its three originally black subsidiary dials turning into a beautiful chocolate brown. The vintage Rolex market can be quite challenging to navigate, with parts being modified or exchanged for more desirable ageing or rarity, particularly when it comes to age-related patina. While the actual manufacturing figures are a closely guarded secret in the vaults of Rolex, it’s thought that around 2 m case number, 6239 “panda” dials were ordered from Singer; the dial manufacturer responsible for the “exotic” design. As with many highly valued Rolex watches, the smallest detail or variation on the dial can dictate an astronomical value by comparison to a seemingly identical example. This incredible and rare watch icon is a dream for any fine collector, and our compliments in advance to the new lucky owner.

Montre Rolex en acier, modèle Cosmograph Daytona « Paul Newman », réf. 6239. Dans la même collection depuis environ 30 ans, cet exemplaire est dans un état exceptionnel. Cette montre est l’exemple parfait d’un cadran « Tropicalement » vieilli, avec ses trois cadrans subsidiaires originalement noirs se transformant en un magnifique brun chocolat. Cette incroyable et iconique montre est un rêve pour tout collectionneur, et tous nos compliments à l’avance au chanceux nouveau propriétaire.