Rolex 6239

Rolex Ref. 6239 An uncommon and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and "Cherry Logo" dial

Manufacturer : Rolex Year : Circa 1967 Reference No : 6239 Case No : 1’626’500 Model Name : Cosmograph Daytona "Cherry Logo Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, endlinks stamped "7205" and “71”, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "4.66 Dimensions : 37mm diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Provenance : Phillips: START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs on 14th May 2016, lot 73 Literature : For similar watches see Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 228-231 and p. 264-267 As the inaugural Cosmograph Daytona reference launched in 1963, the ref. 6239 holds remarkable significance in Rolex's chronograph lineage. In production from approximately 1963 until 1976, the reference was available in stainless steel, 14K and 18K yellow gold and was the firm’s first chronograph with the tachometer scale engraved on the bezel. This superb early example from circa 1967 fitted with a beautiful black matte dial and silvered sunken subsidiary dials with the highly desirable red ‘Daytona’ printed above the 6 o’clock subsidiary dial is undeniably charming. Interestingly, the visibility of the “T-SWISS-T” designation on this unusual dial is completely obstructed by the case. Only when the dial is carefully removed from the case that one is able to admire this subtle detail. An early bezel with 300 units per hour calibration and a gorgeous riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet completes the vintage aesthetic. For the discerning collector, the appeal of the ref. 6239 transcends rarity or value. The present example transports the collector back to an era when the Daytona legend was still being written.