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Lot Essay
1967 , The Rolex chronograph that is offered in this auction, ref. 6238, the so-called pre-Daytona is discontinued, and throughout the following two years the Cosmograph undergoes intense research to make it more attractive to the public. A result of this research is an alternative dial, undoubtedly one of the most iconic and renowned in the history of horology: the "Paul Newman".
Nicknamed after one of its most illustrious wearers, the Paul Newman is far from the essential style of normal Daytona dials. Constructively, it displays a tridimensional depth that is not easy to achieve; the subsidiary registers and the chronographic seconds track are both slightly indented. Aesthetically, it is impossible not to appreciate the impressive chromatic impact given by the black dial, the contrasting subsidiary dials, the white graphics, the cherry Daytona logo, and chronographic seconds track.
Many details of this dial illustrate how, during its design and engineering phase, some manufacturing processes reflect the typical style of the '50s. An example is the strong grené effect of the white background, much grainier than the typical 60s style.
The present watch is a perfect example of the 6239 Daytona with the Paul Newman dial. Original in all its parts, not only has the case never been polished and maintains its original shape but it is also historically important. It belongs to the first batch of 6239 on which Rolex mounted the Paul Newman dial. The case noticeably lacks the bubble at 3 o' clock, found on all later productions, introduced to facilitate the grip on the winding crown. Also, the dial, in perfect condition, is recognised by scholars as "first batch" due to some typical elements, such as the unmistakable so-called sing-a-song (shorter letters at the ends, taller in the center) "T SWISS T" designation.
Its incredible condition assured it a place in the Ultimate Rolex Daytona book, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 164-167.
Nicknamed after one of its most illustrious wearers, the Paul Newman is far from the essential style of normal Daytona dials. Constructively, it displays a tridimensional depth that is not easy to achieve; the subsidiary registers and the chronographic seconds track are both slightly indented. Aesthetically, it is impossible not to appreciate the impressive chromatic impact given by the black dial, the contrasting subsidiary dials, the white graphics, the cherry Daytona logo, and chronographic seconds track.
Many details of this dial illustrate how, during its design and engineering phase, some manufacturing processes reflect the typical style of the '50s. An example is the strong grené effect of the white background, much grainier than the typical 60s style.
The present watch is a perfect example of the 6239 Daytona with the Paul Newman dial. Original in all its parts, not only has the case never been polished and maintains its original shape but it is also historically important. It belongs to the first batch of 6239 on which Rolex mounted the Paul Newman dial. The case noticeably lacks the bubble at 3 o' clock, found on all later productions, introduced to facilitate the grip on the winding crown. Also, the dial, in perfect condition, is recognised by scholars as "first batch" due to some typical elements, such as the unmistakable so-called sing-a-song (shorter letters at the ends, taller in the center) "T SWISS T" designation.
Its incredible condition assured it a place in the Ultimate Rolex Daytona book, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 164-167.