Rolex Daytona 6240

Rolex Daytona 6240 "Big Daytona" Tropical Dial Box and Papers

Sitting within the pantheon of greats, the Rolex Daytona is a legendary watch that every watch lover can admire. With its long history, a lengthy list of famous wearers, and an array of intricacies, the Daytona has become the most sought-after timepiece the Genevan Giants have offered. Releasing the first generation Daytona in 1963, this legendary watch was made famous by the iconic actor and racecar driver Paul Newman following some years of obscurity. Among the long list of Daytona references we have today, the first generation four-digit references are the most desirable, with the ref. 6240 we have here residing as one of the best-known. Released in 1965 and produced until 1969, the ref. 6240 was an experimental Daytona variant in sorts by the fact it was the first waterproof Daytona that Rolex had launched, as evidenced by its screw-down pushers. However, early examples of the ref. 6240 didn’t gain Rolex’s “Oyster” designation on the dial until sometime around 1967. Featuring a manually wound Valjoux movement that varies from one generation of ref. 6240 to the next, this incredible transitional Daytona is a true collectors piece with an incredible amount of discrepancies between the years to be explored. With its screw-down chronograph pushers modernizing its aesthetic with a screw-down caseback and a black acrylic bezel insert, the ref. 6240 merges the rich vintage Daytona aesthetic with the design of the modern Cerachrom bezel Daytona to create a timepiece that delights those who wear it. Watch was previously sold in 2022 at Sotheby's Hong Kong for ~$145,000 USD, a link to the original listing is included below. THE DIAL While this timepiece was sold in 1968, as its card and receipt states, it was actually produced in 1966 and, as a result, still lacks the "Oyster" designation on its dial. Adding to its rarity, this example's dial also features large "Daytona" print, and tropical patina on its subdials, making it a true collector's quality timepiece. THE CONSTRUCTION Adding to the Daytona's wrist presence by quite a considerable margin for the time, the ref. 6240's screw-down pushers meant the watch worn larger than its pump-pusher siblings. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.