Description: Rolex – Cosmograph Daytona, ref. 6239, Black dial with “yellow rose” color registers, yellow-gold case & bracelet
Model: Daytona
Material: Gold
Reference N°: 6239
Year: Circa 1969/1970
Case N°: 2330490
Caliber: 722 manual
Bracelet: Rolex Oyster yellow-gold 18k, end-links 71
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case, movement and bracelet
Literature: A similar example is illustrated in “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” by Pucci Papaleo
First launched in 1963, reference 6239 was the very first Rolex chronograph wristwatch to officially feature “Cosmograph Daytona” on the dial. While the reference was originally marketed as the “Le Mans”, it was eventually dubbed the “Daytona” when Rolex sponsored the 24 hours of Daytona automobile race. The reference ceased production after six short years of manufacture, making way for successor reference 6262, which featured an upgraded Valjoux 727 movement and retained non-screw down pushers. While reference 6239 is perhaps best known for being fitted with Paul Newman dials, rarer still, is the present model cased in yellow gold. Indeed, during the reference’s life span, approximately 300 examples were cased in gold, which is astounding when one takes into account the model’s approximate 14000 unit production run. The present watch, reference 6239 was considered a “technical” watch, Rolex cased the model in yellow gold for their most exclusive and well-to-do customers, as a luxurious alternative to record time and measure speed. This watch is, furthermore, preserved in excellent condition, fitted with its riveted original bracelet with a lovely oxidation gold patina, very coveted by fine and demanding collectors. In addition, it is a superb example of a “Tropically” aged dial, its three subsidiary counters, originally in bright gold, transforming into a magnificent rose-gold color, a real marvel.
Montre Rolex en or 18k, modèle Daytona réf. 6239. Si la référence 6239 est peut-être mieux connue en acier pour être équipée du cadran ? Paul Newman ?, le modèle ici présenté en or jaune est beaucoup plus rare. En effet, pendant la durée de vie de cette référence seulement environ 300 exemplaires ont été produits en or, ce qui est étonnant si l’on tient compte des quelque 14 000 unités produites pour ce modèle. Cette montre est conservée en excellent état, munie de son bracelet riveté d’origine avec une belle patine or oxydée, très convoitée par les collectionneurs exigeants. En outre, elle est un superbe exemple d’un cadran vieilli ? Tropicalement ?, ses trois compteurs subsidiaires originalement de couleur or vif se transformant en une magnifique couleur or-rosé, une vraie merveille.