Rolex Daytona 6262

Ref. 6262A rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with white grené dial and bracelet

Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1971 Reference No: 6262 Case No: 2'733'473 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max length 173mm. Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 1.71 Dimensions: 36.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Bucherer service receipt dated 11 March 2015. Literature: A similar example of Rolex reference 6262 however with a black dial and white subsidiary registers is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 280 and 281.Featuring a beautiful "Paul Newman" dial, the present watch is a remarkable example of reference 6262. Introduced in the beginning of the 1970s, the model was fitted with the 727 Valjoux caliber, which was an upgrade from the caliber 722-1, used by predecessors such as references 6239 or 6241. Reference 6262 is most notably fitted with a steel bezel, while its sibling reference its distinguished by its black acrylic bezel. Featuring a beautiful white dial with black registers and a red outer minute track, the present watch has been preserved in astounding condition. The white grené dial has turned slightly ivory with age, giving the watch so much character. The white deco-style graphics within the black subsidiary registers feature strong serifs, and contrast wonderfully with its dark surround. All luminous dots are present and furthermore consistent in tone, having aged to a warm ivory color. All details are correct, including the "T Swiss T" designation on the bottom of the dial, which is slightly slanted and slopes up and down. While this small detail varies in size from model to model, many "Paul Newmans" from the period feature the designation. Indeed, collectors and scholars have nicknamed this feature the "sing song". Even the bracelet is original, stamped for the first quarter of 1971. Most intriguing is the engraving on the case back reading "To Cary Dad + Phyllis Love 5.31.74", suggesting the watch was originally purchased to commemorate a special moment in the original owner's life.