Wristwatch, Rolex Daytona 6239, 1967

Model: Daytona Reference: 6239 Case Material: Stainless Steel Bracelet Material: Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, approximate length 185mm Year: Circa 1967 Movement: Manual, cal.722-1, 17 jewels Case N°: 1'626'226 Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement Literature: Registered in the "Archivio Pucci Papaleo" In 1963, Rolex introduced its first Cosmograph, conceived as a chronograph for the world of motorsport and laying the foundations for what would become the legendary Daytona.

The first reference in this lineage, the reference 6239, established many of the defining characteristics of the model: a stainless-steel Oyster case, fixed metal bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale and three contrasting subsidiary registers, operated by non-screw-down chronograph pushers. The reference was subsequently fitted with the “Daytona” designation, further cementing its association with the world of motor racing. Dating to 1967, the present example is particularly significant as it belongs to the earliest production of the so-called “exotic” dials, which began appearing on the reference 6239 that year and would later become known as “Paul Newman” dials.

The present three-colour configuration features a black dial with three contrasting cream-coloured subsidiary registers, enhanced by characteristic Art Deco-style numerals and square markers. Red outer scales and the red DAYTONA signature above the six o’clock register further accentuate the striking graphic composition, creating the distinctive aesthetic that has become synonymous with these celebrated dials. Of particular interest, the present timepiece is registered in the “Archivio Pucci Papaleo”, the independent archive founded by Pucci Papaleo, renowned collector, author and one of the foremost scholars of vintage Rolex chronographs, particularly the Daytona. The registration provides an important additional record of this highly collectible timepiece.