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Lot Essay
The present watch is one of the very first Daytona wristwatches ever made, as denoted by its 923’xxx serial number, considered the lowest one can find on this model. Furthermore, scholars agree that the first few batches of Daytona chronographs made in 1963 were sold in the USA, and only from 1964 Rolex started its commercialization in Europe.
The very first Daytonas were fitted with dials and case backs originally produced for the previous Rolex chronograph, reference 6238, the pre-Daytona: the dials were only marked “Swiss” below 6 o’clock, the case backs stamped 6238 to the inside. The movements used were calibre 72B, those on watches destined for the US market stamped “ROW”.
The present reference 6239 is an interesting “hybrid” of this very early model. Sold in Barcelona in 1967, as documented both by the Union Suiza original guarantee and invoice, it features the “T-Swiss-T” dials found on later series of reference 6239, matching its year of sale. The movement is the correct calibre 72B, however without the mention “ROW”. The case back is the early version stamped 6238.
The reason for above is left to speculation but in any case, this reference 6239 might be the only documented 923xxx serial Daytona sold outside of the USA.
The watch was purchased by the uncle of the present owner at Barcelona’s prestigious retailer Union Suiza in 1967 and has remained in the same family ever since, the original documents, the second dial, hands and box preciously kept, adding to its desirability. It is furthermore preserved in very good original overall condition, a fine trophy for the collector of rare timepieces.
The very first Daytonas were fitted with dials and case backs originally produced for the previous Rolex chronograph, reference 6238, the pre-Daytona: the dials were only marked “Swiss” below 6 o’clock, the case backs stamped 6238 to the inside. The movements used were calibre 72B, those on watches destined for the US market stamped “ROW”.
The present reference 6239 is an interesting “hybrid” of this very early model. Sold in Barcelona in 1967, as documented both by the Union Suiza original guarantee and invoice, it features the “T-Swiss-T” dials found on later series of reference 6239, matching its year of sale. The movement is the correct calibre 72B, however without the mention “ROW”. The case back is the early version stamped 6238.
The reason for above is left to speculation but in any case, this reference 6239 might be the only documented 923xxx serial Daytona sold outside of the USA.
The watch was purchased by the uncle of the present owner at Barcelona’s prestigious retailer Union Suiza in 1967 and has remained in the same family ever since, the original documents, the second dial, hands and box preciously kept, adding to its desirability. It is furthermore preserved in very good original overall condition, a fine trophy for the collector of rare timepieces.