Rolex Daytona 6241

Daytona "Paul Newman" ref. 6241 in steel, two-tone "Panda" dial, bakelite bezel circa 1968 Rolex

--> Description Daytona "Paul Newman" ref. 6241 in steel, two-tone "Panda" dial, Bakelite bezel circa 1968 Rolex Brand: Rolex Model: Daytona Year: circa 1968 Reference: 6241 Dial: Paul Newman two-tone Case No.: 1.764.xxx Movement: Manual winding Cal: 727 Material: Steel Bracelet: Leather Size: 37 mm --> More information The Rolex Daytona is one of the most loved models by collectors, perfectly embodying the spirit of the tool watch, conceived for the world of motor racing and taking its name from one of the most famous circuits in the United States. The first reference presented was the 6239, produced from 1963. Made of steel or yellow gold, it was equipped with pump pushers, combined with different dial configurations and a metal bezel. In 1965, the new reference 6241 was introduced, which was distinguished by the presence of a Bakelite insert on the bezel. In the following years, further references were presented: the 6240, a transitional model that introduced screw pushers for the first time; the 6262, with the adoption of the new caliber 727; the 6264, very similar to the 6241 but with an updated movement and a different font for the tachometric scale. Finally, among the steel models, the 6265, equipped with screw-down pushers, a steel bezel and a wide variety of dials, produced from 1971 to 1988. Two additional references, the 6269 and 6270, combined gold with precious stones, representing the most luxurious versions of the manual Daytona. The present lot, a reference 6241 produced in 1968, features a rare two-tone dial, less common than those with a red outer minute scale. This type of dial, while it may appear in the later serial numbers of the 6241, is more commonly associated with references 6262 and 6264. The dial, known as the “Paul Newman”, made famous by the link with the actor of the same name, is characterized by Panda or Reverse Panda configurations, with counters decorated with Art Deco-style numerals. In contrast, above the seconds counter at six o’clock, the iconic Daytona writing stands out in red.