Rolex

• cal. 722 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • bi-colour black and silvered dial, engine-turned off-white subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, applied faceted baton indexes, luminous dots and steel baton hands, outer minute and 1/5 second divisions • stainless steel Oyster case, black acrylic bezel calibrated for 200 units, screw-down chronograph pushers, crown and back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial is clean with some signs of ageing to the luminous dots and hands. The luminous dot at at 11 o'clock is tarnished. The case and bezel in good condition with minor scuffs and scratches which are consistent with use. One pusher changed.Overall a fascinating piece, fresh to the market and with conservative estimate.
"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 6240 is regarded as an experimental watch and was only produced between 1965 and 1969. It was the first water resistant Cosmograph, differing from the references 6239 with and 6241 by having screw-down chronograph pushers. It was then replaced by the reference 6263.

The present lot is further distinguished by its Paul Newman dial.

As a rare reference, many secrets remain on the 6240 and especially its Paul Newman version. However, a recent study demonstrates that in some cases, it wasn't fitted with an Oyster dial, as perfectly illustrated by this piece.
The "non Oyster Paul Newman dial" is distinguished by a larger space between the two T's of the T Swiss T signature at 6 o'clock. They are just behind the 29th and 31st second indexes of the chronograph scale. Furthermore, these attractive pieces have a case number starting with 1.65X.XXX.

These characteristics, all present in this lot, together with its clear provenance, make this watch quite remarkable.  It was consigned by its original owner who bought it in this configuration, making this watch not only a beautiful watch to wear but also a rare opportunity to acquire a fascinating piece documenting the history of the Daytona.