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Lot Essay
1964 , Rolex's overall production is now estimated at 105.000 examples, with serial numbers from 1.000.000 to 1.105.000.
Throughout 1964, the bezel still sports the 300 tachymeter scale, however the graduation has become simpler, the 275 mark has disappeared and it has a mirror-polish as opposed to the radial satin-finish that can be found on earlier versions. The white version of the dial now displays a 'soleil' finish in the background, instead of the previous argenté matt, while the black version remains unchanged. The overall design starts to move away from its origins. For example, the indexes are now applied by means of a bearing and are positioned slightly closer to the rim.
Throughout 1964, Rolex becomes the official timekeeper of the Daytona race, a name destined to make horology history. With public interest in space exploration waning, only to be rekindled five years later with the conquest of the moon, a new name for their chronometers is needed to accompany "Cosmograph". The choice is obvious and so, for the first time, Rolex associates its timepieces with the famous American racetrack.
Indeed, this particular 6239 example is the very first known to incorporate the legendary name, still quite small and veering towards the centre of the dial. Another novelty is the two "T"s before and after the "SWISS" designation. They identify which luminescent substance has been used, tritium, and will replace the underline sign.
A scholarly inspection reveals that this rare dial was printed in three stages: firstly, the white main graphics featuring the outer SWISS script, secondly, the inner silver SWISS text and lastly, the 'Daytona' designation and the two T's in a hue slightly darker than "SWISS".
Furthermore, the 3-bodied case of this watch, composed of case back, middle case and bezel is preserved in excellent condition.
The historical importance of this timepiece earned its place in the thematic book Ultimate Rolex Daytona, pp. 108-111.
Throughout 1964, the bezel still sports the 300 tachymeter scale, however the graduation has become simpler, the 275 mark has disappeared and it has a mirror-polish as opposed to the radial satin-finish that can be found on earlier versions. The white version of the dial now displays a 'soleil' finish in the background, instead of the previous argenté matt, while the black version remains unchanged. The overall design starts to move away from its origins. For example, the indexes are now applied by means of a bearing and are positioned slightly closer to the rim.
Throughout 1964, Rolex becomes the official timekeeper of the Daytona race, a name destined to make horology history. With public interest in space exploration waning, only to be rekindled five years later with the conquest of the moon, a new name for their chronometers is needed to accompany "Cosmograph". The choice is obvious and so, for the first time, Rolex associates its timepieces with the famous American racetrack.
Indeed, this particular 6239 example is the very first known to incorporate the legendary name, still quite small and veering towards the centre of the dial. Another novelty is the two "T"s before and after the "SWISS" designation. They identify which luminescent substance has been used, tritium, and will replace the underline sign.
A scholarly inspection reveals that this rare dial was printed in three stages: firstly, the white main graphics featuring the outer SWISS script, secondly, the inner silver SWISS text and lastly, the 'Daytona' designation and the two T's in a hue slightly darker than "SWISS".
Furthermore, the 3-bodied case of this watch, composed of case back, middle case and bezel is preserved in excellent condition.
The historical importance of this timepiece earned its place in the thematic book Ultimate Rolex Daytona, pp. 108-111.