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Lot Essay
The present watch is a rare opportunity for the discerning Rolex collector to become the proud owner of one of the rarest Daytona iterations ever produced: the fabled 14K gold 6241 with black dial and the supremely rare cherry Daytona logo instead of the usual gilt one. Early gold Daytonas were regarded with suspicion by the market because the gold metal was highly unusual in a sport chronometer, especially one the size of the Daytona which, during a period that was regarding ultra-flat watches as the apex of elegance, was considered very large, borderline encumbering. Consequently an extremely limited number of such pieces ever left Rolex's workshop. Furthermore, most gold Daytonas were made in 18K gold, with 14K pieces made for the American market, such as the present specimen, being even more uncommon representative of this already rarefied family. An example of 6241 in 14K gold with cherry red Daytona designation can be considered one of the undisputed holy grails of Rolex Daytona collecting.
Beyond its extreme rarity, this timepiece will captivate the hearts of every Rolex enthusiast with its unrivalled looks. The black bezel and black dial alternate with the gold rims of the bezel and the gold case for a highly rhythmic and dramatic aesthetic effect. The powerful looks of the watch are further boosted by the cherry red Daytona designation, the only note of color present on the entire watch. In stark contrast with the black background, it seems to nearly hover above the dial, a potent reminder of the lineage this wristwatch is such a proud and important example of.
Reference 6241 was introduced into the market in the early 1960s and remained in production until around 1969. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, it was fitted with the "non-Oyster" or "non-screw down" chronograph buttons and a bezel with black plastic insert, the tachymetre scale printed in white. Models in 14K gold, such as the present watch, were exclusively reserved for the North American market. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".
A reference 6241 in 14 karat gold and “Cherry Logo” signature was offered at Christie’s on the 10th of November 2014 in Geneva with the Serial Number 2’084’297. A reference 6262 in 18K gold and “Cherry Logo” signature was offered in the Christie’s Rolex Daytona “Lesson One” auction on the 10th of November 2013 in Geneva with the Serial Number 2’330’469. Since 2014, no other reference 6241 with "Cherry Logo" signature has been offered to the public.
For detailed descriptions and illustrations of reference 6241 see Rolex Daytona - a legend is born by Carlo Pergola, Stefano Mazzariol, Giovanni Dosso, pp. 94-108, I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 312-319, and 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 238-261.
Beyond its extreme rarity, this timepiece will captivate the hearts of every Rolex enthusiast with its unrivalled looks. The black bezel and black dial alternate with the gold rims of the bezel and the gold case for a highly rhythmic and dramatic aesthetic effect. The powerful looks of the watch are further boosted by the cherry red Daytona designation, the only note of color present on the entire watch. In stark contrast with the black background, it seems to nearly hover above the dial, a potent reminder of the lineage this wristwatch is such a proud and important example of.
Reference 6241 was introduced into the market in the early 1960s and remained in production until around 1969. Available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K gold, it was fitted with the "non-Oyster" or "non-screw down" chronograph buttons and a bezel with black plastic insert, the tachymetre scale printed in white. Models in 14K gold, such as the present watch, were exclusively reserved for the North American market. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".
A reference 6241 in 14 karat gold and “Cherry Logo” signature was offered at Christie’s on the 10th of November 2014 in Geneva with the Serial Number 2’084’297. A reference 6262 in 18K gold and “Cherry Logo” signature was offered in the Christie’s Rolex Daytona “Lesson One” auction on the 10th of November 2013 in Geneva with the Serial Number 2’330’469. Since 2014, no other reference 6241 with "Cherry Logo" signature has been offered to the public.
For detailed descriptions and illustrations of reference 6241 see Rolex Daytona - a legend is born by Carlo Pergola, Stefano Mazzariol, Giovanni Dosso, pp. 94-108, I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 312-319, and 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 238-261.