Lot 64
  • 64

ROLEX | DAYTONA PAUL NEWMAN, REFERENCE 6239 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1968

Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 GBP
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Description

  • DAYTONA PAUL NEWMAN, REFERENCE 6239 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1968
Dial: black Calibre: cal. 722 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 1’997’777 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 37mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex service invoice

Condition

DIAL: in overall good condition, luminescent material at 8 and 9 o'clock has been restored, for the rest of the indexes, the patination is even throughout the dial. Hands have been replaced during service. One minor discrete stain to the constant seconds and another one to the 30 minute register. CASE: with scuffs and marks throughout. More noticeable mark on the bezel between 8 and 9 o'clock. Case shows signs of polishing. Bracelet: clasp stamped 78350/19 U5, endlinks 557B. Bracelet with scuffs throughout. MOVEMENT: not running at time of cataloguing, the watch is fully wound and will require a full service Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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."

Catalogue Note

Father of the Daytona dynasty, the reference 6239 was introduced just over 55 years ago. While it differs in many aspects from the current model, it is telling how this piece has passed through time without never falling out of fashion. This could arguably be explained by the perfect balance between the different components, the highest quality standards combined with a sporty chic twist Rolex injected into the design. The sporty spirit is enhanced by the Paul Newman chronograph dial, especially on the black version such as on the present lot. The pieces fitted with this rare dial enjoy an added dimension to the timeless elegance of the Daytona and the wearer is transported into the vintage racing world.

In the case of this particular lot, imagination truly meets reality.

This watch was until today the property of Jim Russel, a successful racing driver in his own right, who between 1953 and 1959 won no less than 64 Formula Three races and 11 Formula Two races. He won the British Formula Three Championship for three successive years from 1955 to 1957. Sadly, Jim's own driving career ended abruptly after suffering multiple injuries in a crash at Le Mans in 1959. Nevertheless, Jim remained deeply involved in motorsports by founding the legendary Jim Russel Racing Driver School, sharing his knowledge and his passion with future driving champions.

Many, many very successful drivers were tutored by him and at his school, including Emerson Fittapaldi, Derek Bell, Tiff Needell, Danny Sullivan, Jacques Villeneuve, Jan Magnussen, Jenson Button and Lance Stroll, to name but a few. Indeed, his Franchise became so successful that schools were also opened in Mont Treblant in Canada and Laguna Seca and Sears Point in the USA.

It would have been crucial for him to calculate lap times with the highest precision. It is no surprise he chose the Rolex Daytona with the calibre Valjoux 72 and the very legible Paul Newman dial as his trusty racing companion.