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Lot Essay
Reference 6239 "Paul Newman" Daytona
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, is among the most appreciated and recognized chronograph models by any manufacturer.
Available in stainless steel, 14k and 18k gold, reference 6239 was the firm's first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel and the subsidiary dials printed in a different color than the main dial for better readability. The dials of the first models featured only the designation "Cosmograph", referring to the outer space travels of the early 60s. The "Daytona" was added shortly after to mark Rolex's sponsorship of the renowned Nascar stock car race. The so-called "exotic" dial, later nicknamed "Paul Newman", soon became available for reference 6239, either two-colored white/cream and black or three-colored, such as the present watch, with the addition of the red seconds scales.
When the Daytona comes fitted with the rare “exotic” or so-called “Paul Newman” dial, its rarity, aesthetic appeal, and collectability are profoundly increased. This dial, distinguished by the three-dimensional construction, with sunken subsidiary dials and sunken outer chapter ring, was an alternative dial offered to clients at the time. Ironically, this variation was not appreciated by the market at the time of its production. It took decades for collectors to appreciate this "exotic" dial variation, now considered a treasure. The dial is preserved in excellent condition and its attractiveness is increased through the obviously original and nicely aged luminous accents. Paul Newman himself wore a reference 6239 with a white dial, gift from his wife, and he used it in particular for his racing career.
The reference 6239 Paul Newman Daytona was available with a white dial and black text and registers, as is the case here, or a black dial with white printing and registers. Its bold and attractive aesthetic is heightened by its well-preserved case and crisp serial and reference numbers which are rightfully stamped in-between the lugs.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, is among the most appreciated and recognized chronograph models by any manufacturer.
Available in stainless steel, 14k and 18k gold, reference 6239 was the firm's first chronograph with the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel and the subsidiary dials printed in a different color than the main dial for better readability. The dials of the first models featured only the designation "Cosmograph", referring to the outer space travels of the early 60s. The "Daytona" was added shortly after to mark Rolex's sponsorship of the renowned Nascar stock car race. The so-called "exotic" dial, later nicknamed "Paul Newman", soon became available for reference 6239, either two-colored white/cream and black or three-colored, such as the present watch, with the addition of the red seconds scales.
When the Daytona comes fitted with the rare “exotic” or so-called “Paul Newman” dial, its rarity, aesthetic appeal, and collectability are profoundly increased. This dial, distinguished by the three-dimensional construction, with sunken subsidiary dials and sunken outer chapter ring, was an alternative dial offered to clients at the time. Ironically, this variation was not appreciated by the market at the time of its production. It took decades for collectors to appreciate this "exotic" dial variation, now considered a treasure. The dial is preserved in excellent condition and its attractiveness is increased through the obviously original and nicely aged luminous accents. Paul Newman himself wore a reference 6239 with a white dial, gift from his wife, and he used it in particular for his racing career.
The reference 6239 Paul Newman Daytona was available with a white dial and black text and registers, as is the case here, or a black dial with white printing and registers. Its bold and attractive aesthetic is heightened by its well-preserved case and crisp serial and reference numbers which are rightfully stamped in-between the lugs.