Important Watches

Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 18. Reference 6239 'Floating' Daytona | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1967.

Rolex

Reference 6239 'Floating' Daytona | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1967

Auction Closed

June 5, 07:33 PM GMT

Estimate

40,000 - 80,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Dial: black

Caliber: cal. 72B mechanical, 17 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: 1'597'683

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 180 mm

Signed: case, dial, and movement

Box: yes

Papers: no  

Accessories: Rolex presentation box and outer packaging, and purchase invoice from Begeer, Van Kempen, & Vos dated August 21, 1971

Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona stands as one of the most iconic and coveted wristwatches among collectors today, with a legendary evolution. Revered for its classic design, durability, and strong masculine appeal, it has earned its place in horological history. The first to bear the official name Daytona Cosmograph, the reference 6239 debuted in 1963, distinguishing itself with a stainless steel tachymeter bezel and sub-dials sporting inverted colors compared to the main dial. This departure from the monochromatic scheme and the addition of the tachymeter scale enhanced the dial's legibility and imbued it with a sporty, aggressive aesthetic.


The present wristwatch features a black dial adorned with a small white "Floating Daytona" designation beneath the signature at 12 o'clock. This unique feature, found only on a handful of examples, earned its name because the 'Daytona' designation is positioned closer to the center of the dial, distinct from the other script, giving it the appearance of floating on the dial. We are pleased to offer this special configuration of the reference 6239.



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