Rolex

Only in production from 1965 to 1969, the Rolex Reference 6241 is one of the rarest and most desirable variants of the Daytona series, having been made in very limited quantities of

approximately 2,700 to 3000 pieces. Like its sister model, the Reference 6239, the model is fitted

with an early non-oyster case with pump style pushers, and a Valjoux 722 caliber movement. Unlike the Reference 6239, the 6241 is dressed with a black acrylic bezel insert,

giving the reference a slightly larger and more contemporary appearance. Much like the exotic Paul Newman dial, this acrylic bezel insert intensifies the reference’s presence on the

wrist, yielding a more imposing aesthetic similar to that of a modern watch.

Of all the 6241’s made, only a very limited number were fitted with an exotic dial, later becoming known as the ‘Paul Newman’, named for the American actor, director, and race

car driver who so famously sported examples throughout his life. Though the differences between standard and exotic dials can be reduced to mere typefaces and subtle applications of

color, the result of these traits is pivotal in practice. These highly prized ‘exotic dials’ were available in black with white sub dials, and white with black sub dials. These stylized dials

featured a stepped outer track, and sunken subsidiary dials accented by art-deco inspired square indexes. When preserved faithfully like the example in question, the result is nothing short of extraordinary, and telling of why Rolex now enjoys the reputation it does.