Requiring almost no introduction, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watches fitted with “Paul Newman” dials have been and continue to be the most iconic and coveted of the Daytona family of references, the present lot being the rare and transitional reference 6262.

Originally launched in the late 1960’s, reference 6262 with solid bezel and engraved tachymeter scale was offered alongside reference 6264 with a black acrylic bezel. Both references, with pump pushers, were made for approximately 3 years before reference 6263 and reference 6265 (both with screw down pushers) would replace them and become the dominant Daytona references through the late 1980’s.

The present lot, reference 6262 bearing a 2.47 million serial number and dating from 1970, features a strong case and incredibly well preserved “Paul Newman” tri-color dial known among collectors and scholars as the “Musketeer” dial. Unlike standard Paul Newman dials which have a concentric circle pattern which covers the entirety of the recessed registers, “Musketeer” dial registers have both concentric circles in the registers as well as a smooth angled surface near the outer edge of the register, giving the dial a very unique look and feel.

A rare Daytona reference in exceptional condition with a well preserved and equally rare dial configuration is sure to please even the most discerning collector by checking all the boxes.