Rolex

Phillips: Geneva Watch Auction X, Lot 138, November 2019

The chronograph range of watches from Rolex were designed and engineered essentially as tool watches. Their durability, accuracy and readability were paramount, and as such, were overwhelming constructed of stainless steel. Some discerning clients however were choosing their sports watches in precious metals, primarily 18k yellow gold but also in some instances and primarily for the US market, in 14K gold. (This was a practical solution to the tax implications of importing 18k into the USA).

Like the steel examples, the precious metal Daytona’s were produced with both ‘exotic’ dials (subsequently known as ‘Paul Newman’ dials) and standard dials. It is thought that there were in the region of 3000 examples of the 6241 made in total, and of those, only a handful were produced with the exotic dials. In fact, the current watch, with 14k yellow gold case, black grené ‘Nero Dial’ with champagne colored subsidiary registers and distinctive oversized ‘Jumbo Daytona Logo’, one of the rarest of all the Daytona’s dials produced. Only a handful of such examples have been offered to the market over the last preceding decades.

The case, with a correct early 1.5m serial number is in attractive condition with hallmarks clearly visible under the lugs and retaining its original 14k 6241 case back. It should also be noted that the movement, a Valjoux 722 has the ROW designation stamped to the bridge indicating that the original destination of the watch was the North American market.

This is truly a connoisseurs Daytona. More subtle and understated than a Paul Newman example and made in smaller numbers. The represents a rare opportunity to acquire such a rare and desirable example.