Lot Essay
In the world of Rolex Daytona collecting and appreciation at the very highest level, extreme rarity is measured by small degrees. Only the scarcest references with the most stunning untouched dials and unquestioned originality make the grade for today’s highly informed and discerning international collectors.
We are thrilled to present this 18K gold Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 with 'Champagne Paul Newman' exotic dial which fulfils these criteria and more. The reference 6241 was produced for around only 3 years between 1966 and 1969 and is therefore a rare reference in its own right. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold with either exotic ‘Paul Newman’ or non-exotic dials. The famed ‘John Player Special’ is the most instantly recognizable of the former category, however, what is not widely realized is that the champagne dial model with its hugely attractive gilt printing is equally as rare as the ‘John Player Special’. Indeed, 18K gold versions with ‘Champagne Paul Newman’ dial such as the present watch exist in even smaller numbers.
This breathtaking watch is a delight to behold, such an attractive and authentic unsullied example, it immediately impresses with its magnificently preserved and utterly perfect dial. The champagne grené surface is flawless even under magnification, the luminous accents are superb, perfectly match the luminescence of the gold hands. The full case features well-defined proportions, indeed it displays the all the reassuring signs of honest use over the last 54 years, the serial and reference numbers are clearly legible as are the hallmarks on the back of two lugs. The overall appeal of this superb timepiece is completed by the very rare Mark 1 bezel, highly sought-after by collectors.
Another closely related 18K gold reference 6241 with Champagne Paul Newman dial with serial number 1'757’892, only five numbers away from the present watch, was sold: Christie’s Geneva, 13 November 2013, lot 197.
Reference 6241
Reference 6241 was introduced into the market in the mid-1960s and remained in production until around 1969. Available in stainless steel of 2250 pieces, 300 pieces in 18K gold and 450 pieces in 14K gold, it was fitted with the "non-Oyster" or "non-screw down" chronograph buttons and a bezel with black plastic insert, the tachymeter scale printed in white. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".
We are thrilled to present this 18K gold Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 with 'Champagne Paul Newman' exotic dial which fulfils these criteria and more. The reference 6241 was produced for around only 3 years between 1966 and 1969 and is therefore a rare reference in its own right. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold with either exotic ‘Paul Newman’ or non-exotic dials. The famed ‘John Player Special’ is the most instantly recognizable of the former category, however, what is not widely realized is that the champagne dial model with its hugely attractive gilt printing is equally as rare as the ‘John Player Special’. Indeed, 18K gold versions with ‘Champagne Paul Newman’ dial such as the present watch exist in even smaller numbers.
This breathtaking watch is a delight to behold, such an attractive and authentic unsullied example, it immediately impresses with its magnificently preserved and utterly perfect dial. The champagne grené surface is flawless even under magnification, the luminous accents are superb, perfectly match the luminescence of the gold hands. The full case features well-defined proportions, indeed it displays the all the reassuring signs of honest use over the last 54 years, the serial and reference numbers are clearly legible as are the hallmarks on the back of two lugs. The overall appeal of this superb timepiece is completed by the very rare Mark 1 bezel, highly sought-after by collectors.
Another closely related 18K gold reference 6241 with Champagne Paul Newman dial with serial number 1'757’892, only five numbers away from the present watch, was sold: Christie’s Geneva, 13 November 2013, lot 197.
Reference 6241
Reference 6241 was introduced into the market in the mid-1960s and remained in production until around 1969. Available in stainless steel of 2250 pieces, 300 pieces in 18K gold and 450 pieces in 14K gold, it was fitted with the "non-Oyster" or "non-screw down" chronograph buttons and a bezel with black plastic insert, the tachymeter scale printed in white. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".