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Lot Essay
The property of the family of the original owner, the present wristwatch is a dream to collectors of manual vintage Rolex chronographs. Part of the celebrated reference 6241 with Valjoux movement, pump pushers and black bezel insert, the wristwatch exemplifies itself through the special nature of its exotic “Paul Newman” dial, preserved in excellent overall condition, which has throughout the years turned tropical. Sought-after by the most esteemed collectors, such a uniform brown patina is a true rarity. Deemed to be caused by a reaction between the compounds used for the creation of the dial and external elements such as humidity, heat or exposure to the sun, the aesthetics of the dial are radically changed, providing the timepiece with a unique and highly sought-after look.
Adding to the rarity of the chronograph, the present reference 6241 has a highly attractive provenance. The timepiece was purchased on the prestigious Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris, by the uncle of the current owner at the age of 17 years old. Love at first sight, the watch matched perfectly with the then owner’s taste and athletic lifestyle. After working with the French Navy, he went on to become a professional diver for companies such as COMEX, specializing in offshore deep diving operations in Africa. During his time off, he would carry on his passion for demanding sports, climbing mountains during the winter, and taking on a sailing trip between Brazil and Abidjan. In 1998, the timepiece was trusted to his nephew, a passionate watch collector, who went on to live in the United Arab Emirates.
Reference 6241
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. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".
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.
Adding to the rarity of the chronograph, the present reference 6241 has a highly attractive provenance. The timepiece was purchased on the prestigious Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris, by the uncle of the current owner at the age of 17 years old. Love at first sight, the watch matched perfectly with the then owner’s taste and athletic lifestyle. After working with the French Navy, he went on to become a professional diver for companies such as COMEX, specializing in offshore deep diving operations in Africa. During his time off, he would carry on his passion for demanding sports, climbing mountains during the winter, and taking on a sailing trip between Brazil and Abidjan. In 1998, the timepiece was trusted to his nephew, a passionate watch collector, who went on to live in the United Arab Emirates.
Reference 6241
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. The dials featured the designations "Rolex Cosmograph" but not always the "Daytona".
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.