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Lot Essay
The Daytona chronograph is an undisputed icon in the world of vintage watch collecting. Its unmistakable case design, supremely legible and balanced dial and iconic bezel with tachymetre scale have captivated the heart of collectors. Rolex is well known for its experimentalism, consequently collectors are striving to find the most unusual and rare iterations of Rolex models, especially if these models are landmark creations such as reference 6241, the first Daytona reference with black bezel ever commercialized. This thirst for the exotic finds its best known realization in the search for what is by many considered the "ultimate" Daytona: the Paul Newman dial version. Furthermore, even once approached the rarefied world of Paul Newman Daytonas, the serious connoisseur knows that some extremely uncommon examples can present further particularities which classify them as true dream watches. One such trait is the presence on the watch of marks or signatures of famous retailers. Among the best known examples we can count Tiffany-signed dials, or Asprey-stamped cases.
This lot is part of this restricted group of timepieces. It is obviously blessed by a Paul Newman dial of outstanding quality, but its true importance becomes apparent only after examining the case: under the bottom right lug one can find a hand-engraved number. This number denotes that the present timepiece was sold by Argentinian retailer Ricciardi. Indeed, according to our research, this Paul Newman was sold in Argentina in 1970. The "go-to" jeweler for Argentinian high society, Rolex timepieces retailed by Ricciardi are a rare and prized find, as the result of 209'000 CHF achieved in November 2013 at Christie's by a Ricciardi 6241 Paul Newman confirms.
Offered in impressive condition and furthermore it is graced by an ultra-rare 71N end links bracelet.
This lot is part of this restricted group of timepieces. It is obviously blessed by a Paul Newman dial of outstanding quality, but its true importance becomes apparent only after examining the case: under the bottom right lug one can find a hand-engraved number. This number denotes that the present timepiece was sold by Argentinian retailer Ricciardi. Indeed, according to our research, this Paul Newman was sold in Argentina in 1970. The "go-to" jeweler for Argentinian high society, Rolex timepieces retailed by Ricciardi are a rare and prized find, as the result of 209'000 CHF achieved in November 2013 at Christie's by a Ricciardi 6241 Paul Newman confirms.
Offered in impressive condition and furthermore it is graced by an ultra-rare 71N end links bracelet.