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Lot Essay
Reference 6241 was introduced in 1965, and remained in production for 5 years only, being discontinued in 1969. It is distinguished by a number of traits which makes it one of the most appealing vintage Rolex references: it holds historical interest in being is the first time the combination of black bezel and pump pushers is seen on a Daytona, and the short production run renders it one of the rarest Daytona models produced by Rolex.
The present example is offered for the first time on the public market, consigned by an important Italian collector who acquired it over two decades ago and preserved it in flawless condition until today. It is distinguished not only by, obviously, its Paul Newman dial, but beof its absolutely fully original, unrestored condition. It is known that reference 6241 presents 2 different case profiles: a rounder one until ’66, and later a more oval one, characterized by a slight protrusion in correspondence of the crown. The present piece correctly features the second series case, as expected from a watch made in 68. Furthermore it features the original bezel and the correct calibre 722-1, used only in the last examples of the reference – an update from cal. 722 found on all the other examples of the model.
The dial, beyond its rarity, is preserved in simply spectacular condition: no blemish marks the surface, and the only sign of ageing is a very light patina noticeable on the subsidiary dials and outer track. The swiss designation at 6’ o clock correctly features the “sing-a-song” style, characterized by higher fonts at the center and shorter at the sides, giving it a sloping appearance. This is found only on early Paul Newman dials – later ones present a flat style - and indeed, as it turns out, this is among the earliest such dials ever produced, as the appearance of this design is recognized around 1.6M case numbers (around 1966/67), and this watch features case number 1.765M.
Considered condition, rarity and overall stunning looks, it is safe to count the present piece among the most attractive and collectable examples of reference 6241 to ever appear on the market.
The present example is offered for the first time on the public market, consigned by an important Italian collector who acquired it over two decades ago and preserved it in flawless condition until today. It is distinguished not only by, obviously, its Paul Newman dial, but beof its absolutely fully original, unrestored condition. It is known that reference 6241 presents 2 different case profiles: a rounder one until ’66, and later a more oval one, characterized by a slight protrusion in correspondence of the crown. The present piece correctly features the second series case, as expected from a watch made in 68. Furthermore it features the original bezel and the correct calibre 722-1, used only in the last examples of the reference – an update from cal. 722 found on all the other examples of the model.
The dial, beyond its rarity, is preserved in simply spectacular condition: no blemish marks the surface, and the only sign of ageing is a very light patina noticeable on the subsidiary dials and outer track. The swiss designation at 6’ o clock correctly features the “sing-a-song” style, characterized by higher fonts at the center and shorter at the sides, giving it a sloping appearance. This is found only on early Paul Newman dials – later ones present a flat style - and indeed, as it turns out, this is among the earliest such dials ever produced, as the appearance of this design is recognized around 1.6M case numbers (around 1966/67), and this watch features case number 1.765M.
Considered condition, rarity and overall stunning looks, it is safe to count the present piece among the most attractive and collectable examples of reference 6241 to ever appear on the market.