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Lot Essay
Icons in the world of vintage watch collecting and part of the most prized trophies, Rolex chronographs with 'Paul Newman' dials have become part of the most appreciated wristwatches amongst collectors.
A strong favorite for many and in very good overall condition, the present chronograph features a very coveted white Paul Newman dial contrasting the black subsidiary registers. Enhancing its appeal by its well preserved stainless steel case, with well-defined proportions and edges. The present wristwatch is doubtlessly a very attractive and rare example of the reference.
Immediately recognizable through its dial and aesthetics, the present chronograph is part of the reference 6239, launched in the early 1960s and the first Rolex chronograph reference with an engraved tachymeter scale on its bezel. Manufactured with pump chronograph pushers and an attractive stainless steel case, later followed by gold versions, part of the most coveted examples of the reference feature exotic 'Paul Newman' dials.
Consigned by its original owner, the present timepiece was a high school graduation gift from the original owner’s mother and her cousin in 1973 since he earned a four-year collegiate athletic scholarship. As a single, struggling mother, she was in no financial means of buying her son a Rolex, but she wanted to show her gratitude for the financial relief from the scholarship. As he left for school, his mother said, 'Do not sell that watch to buy a few hamburgers while you are away', and her cousin said, 'It could be worth a lot of money one day!' Closely coveting his sentimental, prized possession for the past 50 years, Christie’s is proud to offer this incredible and well-preserved timepiece at auction.
A strong favorite for many and in very good overall condition, the present chronograph features a very coveted white Paul Newman dial contrasting the black subsidiary registers. Enhancing its appeal by its well preserved stainless steel case, with well-defined proportions and edges. The present wristwatch is doubtlessly a very attractive and rare example of the reference.
Immediately recognizable through its dial and aesthetics, the present chronograph is part of the reference 6239, launched in the early 1960s and the first Rolex chronograph reference with an engraved tachymeter scale on its bezel. Manufactured with pump chronograph pushers and an attractive stainless steel case, later followed by gold versions, part of the most coveted examples of the reference feature exotic 'Paul Newman' dials.
Consigned by its original owner, the present timepiece was a high school graduation gift from the original owner’s mother and her cousin in 1973 since he earned a four-year collegiate athletic scholarship. As a single, struggling mother, she was in no financial means of buying her son a Rolex, but she wanted to show her gratitude for the financial relief from the scholarship. As he left for school, his mother said, 'Do not sell that watch to buy a few hamburgers while you are away', and her cousin said, 'It could be worth a lot of money one day!' Closely coveting his sentimental, prized possession for the past 50 years, Christie’s is proud to offer this incredible and well-preserved timepiece at auction.