6239
- Production
- 1963–1969
- Model
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Case material
- Oystersteel
- Case size
- 37mm
- Movement
- Manual
- Calibre
- Cal. 722
- Bezel
- Aluminum · Tachymeter
- Dial colours
- Black, Silver / White
- Market value band
- $50k – $250k
The first Daytona reference, and the one that carries the exotic dial the trade calls 'Paul Newman'. Newman wore his constantly — a gift from Joanne Woodward engraved 'DRIVE CAREFULLY ME.' That exact watch sold at Phillips New York in October 2017 for $17.75M, then the most expensive wristwatch ever auctioned.
Key dates.
- Introduced with the tachymetre moved from dial to bezel
- Newman's own 6239 sells at Phillips for $17.75M
- The 'Paul Newman' name refers to the exotic dial, not to the reference — several references were fitted with it.
- Moving the tachymetre scale onto the steel bezel freed up the dial and is the visual signature of the whole line.
- Exotic dials are the most-forged component in vintage Rolex. The dial is where value concentrates, and a service dial swap changes the watch entirely.
Before you ask.
When was the Rolex 6239 produced?
The 6239 was produced from 1963 to 1969.
What movement does the Rolex 6239 use?
The Rolex 6239 runs the Cal. 722, a manual movement.
How do I check a Rolex 6239 with Watch Safe?
Look up the watch's serial number in the Watch Safe registry to see whether a record exists or a theft flag is attached. A registry search identifies records for a specific serial; it does not authenticate the watch. Authentication is performed in person by an independent expert authenticator, and Watch Safe records and publishes the result.
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