ROLEX | 'PAUL NEWMAN' DAYTONA, REF 6239STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1969

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 722-1 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 1'658'592Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspDimensions: 37mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The chronograph functioning. CASE: In very crisp overall condition. The lugs with full proportions. There is light surface wear which is consistent with the age of the watch. Wear to the underside of the lugs from the end links and the springbars. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The bezel with loss to the black enamel. the bracelet not flush to the edge of the case beneath the bezel. There is some minor pitting on the inside of the case underneath the case back. The expandable bracelet with some scuffs though remaining taut. DIAL: with some fading to the outer track between 8 and 9. The lume at 8 and 9 discoloured.All lumes react well under UV-light.
"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 6239 was the first reference to bear the name Daytona and subsequently the first one that was fitted with so-called exotic dials, which would later become famous as 'Paul Newman' dials. Production of the reference started in 1963, though the exotic dials were only added to the watches later on around the mid-to-late 1960s.  

Not really appreciated and sought-after at the time, these dials gained popularity thanks to the American actor Paul Newman who worn his Daytona reference 6239 with exotic dial while promoting the film 'Winning'. Recognizable by a white or black dial with contrasting subsidiary dials and outer minute ring, they are in extremely high demand on today's market. 

This particular lot features a black 'Paul Newman' dial with white subsidiary dials and red outer track.