Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 25, 2023
LOT 232
ROLEX, REF. 6239, DAYTONA, PAUL NEWMAN, JOHN PLAYER SPECIAL, YELLOW GOLD
EUR 500,000 - 800,000
USD 550,000 - 870,000 / HKD 4,260,000 - 6,820,000 / CHF 490,000 - 790,000
A very fine, exceptionally rare, manual wind, 18k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with Paul Newman dial so called "John Player Special"
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3 * |
|
Dial: 2-6-8-01 |
Very good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Switzerland
Model Cosmograph Daytona
Reference 6239
Year circa 1968
Case No. 2330427
Material 18K yellow gold
Bracelet 18k yellow gold Rolex riveted bracelet with deployant clasp (dated 1.72), length approx 180 mm.
Diameter 36 mm.
Caliber 722-1, 17 jewels
Weight 106.2 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement signed
Notes
** This lot might need a passeport and/or licence of exportationfor which will apply on your behalf to the French Ministry of Culture. Note, it may take 1 to 3 month(s) to obtain this license or passport. Antiquorum cannot be held responsible for any delays in the application process.
The reference 6239 is the first reference of the Daytona collection. Initially called “Le Mans” as an homage to the eponymous French car race, of 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans); the name “Daytona” appeared in 1965 written on the dial of this chronograph, as a reference to famous American car races held on Daytona beach such as the “Daytona 500” or the “Rolex 24 At Daytona”.
The reference 6239 is the first reference of the Daytona collection. Initially called “Le Mans” as an homage to the eponymous French car race, of 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans); the name “Daytona” appeared in 1965 written on the dial of this chronograph, as a reference to famous American car races held on Daytona beach such as the “Daytona 500” or the “Rolex 24 At Daytona”.
Introduced in 1963, it was produced until 1969, mainly in stainless steel. Experts agree that from an overall production of 14.000 examples, approximately only 300 were cased in 14k and 18k yellow gold.
Referred as the John Player Special reminiscent of the cigarette brand with similar colours that sponsored the Lotus Formula 1 team starting in 1972. Often found in reference 6241, John Player Special's with reference 6239 are exceptionally rare and is considered as one of the most desirable versions of the Paul Newman ever produced.