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Lot Essay
The present watch features a dial with fascinating chocolate brown subsidiary dials. Over the years, the colors changed from black to the attractive, almost two-toned color that they presently are now. The central engine-turned area of the subsidiary dials are all a darker shade of brown, while the outer ring with the white numerals is a lighter, more orange-toned shade. Set against the brushed silvered dial, they enhance the overall appearance of the present reference 6239. Vintage Rolex sport wristwatches with multi-toned subsidiary dials are often referred to as "la tartaruga", or "the tortoise", for their multiple shades of brown.
Reference 6239, the very first model of the celebrated "Daytona" series, succeeded reference 6238 and could be found in sales catalogues in Europe as of 1964. It is thought though that the model was available in the US already in 1963. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, reference 6239 was the firm's first chronograph with the tachometer scale engraved on the bezel and the subsidiary dials printed in a different color than the main dial for better readability. The dials of the early models featured only the designation "Cosmograph", referring to the outer space travels of the early 60s. The "Daytona" was added on later series to mark Rolex's sponsorship of the renowned NASCAR stock car race.
For detailed descriptions and illustrations of the dial and bezel variations of reference 6239 see Rolex Daytona - a legend is born by Carlo Pergola, Stefano Mazzariol, Giovanni Dosso, pp. 44 - 61. Different versions of reference 6239 in regard to case material and dial layout are furthermore described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 296-303.
Reference 6239, the very first model of the celebrated "Daytona" series, succeeded reference 6238 and could be found in sales catalogues in Europe as of 1964. It is thought though that the model was available in the US already in 1963. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, reference 6239 was the firm's first chronograph with the tachometer scale engraved on the bezel and the subsidiary dials printed in a different color than the main dial for better readability. The dials of the early models featured only the designation "Cosmograph", referring to the outer space travels of the early 60s. The "Daytona" was added on later series to mark Rolex's sponsorship of the renowned NASCAR stock car race.
For detailed descriptions and illustrations of the dial and bezel variations of reference 6239 see Rolex Daytona - a legend is born by Carlo Pergola, Stefano Mazzariol, Giovanni Dosso, pp. 44 - 61. Different versions of reference 6239 in regard to case material and dial layout are furthermore described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 296-303.