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.
Reference record
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
Timeline
1963Introduced with the tachymetre moved from dial to bezel
2017Newman's own 6239 sells at Phillips for $17.75M
Notable
—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.
What the specification implies
—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.
Common questions
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.