Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 238

Ref. 6239, "Paul Newman" Rolex, ?Cosmograph Daytona", Ref. 6239. Made in 1968, sold August 4, 1969. Very fine and rare, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with steel bezel, round button chronograph, registers, tachometer and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by 3 Guarantee documents (now void), a wallet and a fitted box.

USD 60,000 - 90,000

EUR 40,000 - 60,000

Sold: USD 90,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, tachometer graduation on the bezel to 200 units per hour. D. Bicolor matte silver and black with applied steel indexes and luminous dots, outer 1/5th seconds scale, guilloché subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers. Luminous steel baton hands. M. Cal. 722 -1, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 3 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 14 mm.

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Image

Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The reference. 6239 was produced from 1961 to 1976, the first examples with exotic dial, the so-called ?Paul Newman?, came on the market in the late 60s. They were produced in 18K yellow gold, 14K yellow gold and stainless steel. Since the ref. 6239 has round non-screwed down push buttons, some collectors consider it a ?Non-Oyster? model. The famous ?Daytona? inscription was introduced circa 1964. In the very early models the bezel was graduated to 300 units/hour and the later version it was graduated to 200. The ref. 6239 was replaced by the ref. 6263. It is said that Paul Newman himself to this day wears a ref. 6239 ?Daytona? and has done so since 1972, the watch having been given to him by his wife, Joanne Woodward, when Mr. Newman took up automobile racing.