Ref. 6241A very rare and attractive 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet
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, Ref. 6241
A very rare and attractive 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet, Circa 1969
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed Condition Report
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Manufacturer
:
Rolex
Year
:
Circa 1969
Reference No
:
6241
Case No
:
2'084'251
Model Name
:
Cosmograph Daytona "John Player Special"
Material
:
14K yellow gold
Calibre
:
Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
:
Leather
Dimensions
:
37.5mm Diameter
Signed
:
Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6241 was manufactured from approximately 1966 to 1969. It is among the rarest Daytona models ever produced. A so-called “John Player Special”, the present watch is an exceedingly rare variant of the “Paul Newman” model. It is notably one of a few handful of known “John Player Specials” cased in 14K yellow gold and most probably made for the American market.
With a serial number of 2'084'251, it was produced within a batch of other known “John Player Special” Cosmographs, making this watch within the “sweet spot” of the known serial range. Other known examples have the serial number:
1) 2'084'215
2) 2'084'241
3) 2'084'255
4) 2'084'230
5) 2'084'363
6) 2'084'352
In 1972, John Player & Sons sponsored the Lotus Formula One team, which emblazoned the cigarette maker’s logo on its cars. Clad in black and gold livery to match John Player & Sons’ corporate colors, the Formula One car became an instant hit and icon. Donning the same colors, the “John Player Special Paul Newman” shares its name with the racing vehicle.
While beauty is inherently subjective, few - if any - collectors will disagree with the statement that among the many variations of the Daytona Cosmograph, vintage and modern, one of the most visually striking one is indeed the John Player Special Paul Newman 6241, with the alternation of black and gold details of the dial perfectly reprised on the case with its gold sheen and pitch black bezel. While the watch was conceived some years before the car and has no relation to the sporting event, from the contrasting black and gold graphics to the intricate trim and details, the similarities between the two are absolutely uncanny.
The present watch is distinguished by its exceptional state of preservation. The dial itself is astounding. Free of imperfections, it features round and complete luminous dots that are consistent in color, even when viewed under the telling rays of a black ultraviolet light. The hands furthermore match the numerals, and both display warm yellow patina. The case, too, is preserved in excellent condition with deep hallmarks beneath the lugs. The freshness, ‘correct’ tells and rarity of the present watch renders it one of the most exciting, astonishing and beautiful examples to come to the auction market in recent years.
A perfect storm of highly appealing traits with propels the present timepiece to the pinnacle of desirability for the connoisseur of highly important and attractive timepieces.
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Artist Biography
Rolex
Swiss
• 1905
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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Ref. 6241
A very rare and attractive 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet
