ROLEX | A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND BRACELETREF 6239 CASE 1196048 DAYTONA CIRCA 1965

Movement: cal. 72B manual winding lever, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, bezel calibrated to 200 units, screw-down crown and back Dial: black, applied baton indexes and luminescent dotsBracelet/Clasp/Buckle:  with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding claspDiameter: 36mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: guarantee and presentation case.  

DIAL: Luminescent dots are missing at 6, 7 and 8 o'clock. With some residue and one scratch to the 3 o'clock register, one scratch and a slight stain on the 6 o'clock register. Chronograph hand slightly scuffed at the centre point of the dial. Slight vertical scratch below the cosmograph print. CASE: With scuffs and scratches throughout, consistent with wear and age of the timepiece. Partial loss of ink on the later bezel graduations. MOVEMENT: Working at time of cataloguing. Chronograph function working. Guarantee mentions 'Cosmograph', not the serial number. Mounted on a later bracelet ref 78350, endlinks ref 557 The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The reference 6239 is the "original" Rolex Daytona. Introduced in 1963 in America and in 1964 in Europe, the watch was available until 1969. This watch is powered by the calibre 72B movement which was used during the first period of the models production (1963-1965). The present lot is also characteristic of the early models with a round profile as opposed later slightly curved shape by the winding crown, which was introduced around 1966. 
Furthermore, the dial is simply signed 'Rolex Cosmograph'. The word 'Daytona' started to be printed on the dial around 1965. As such, this lot is one of the last one produced with it.


Moreover, presented in honest condition, this highly attractive yet understated piece comes with its original Rolex guarantee and presentation case and fascinating provenance:

The vendor, a Dutchman, originally joined the RAF following the liberation of the Netherlands during  World War II and having successfully avoided capture and transport to German work camps. After a successful career with the British forces for many years, he later joined the Dutch forces (the Koninklijke Luchtmacht or KLu) as a flight engineer and instructor. He served with numerous squadrons both for the UK and around Europe, as well as working for the Fokker aircraft company. Flying and engineering were clearly hugely influential parts of his life and so he commemorated this with the purchase of this watch, which according to his family, he proudly used on a daily basis since he bought it in 1968.