Rolex Daytona 6262

Ref. 6262An extremely fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet, retailed by Linz Brothers

Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1970 Reference No: 6262 Case No: 2’390’641, inside caseback stamped 6239 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Linz Paul Newman” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “1-71” Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signedThe Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is with no doubt one of the most iconic chronographs ever produced by any manufacturer and the history behind this superlative model is one of the most fascinating among collectors in the community. In the late 1960s, examples of the Cosmograph Daytona were fitted with an exotic dial that were made by Singer, a dial supplier of Rolex at the time. Featuring a unique set of typography and graphics, these dials were later nicknamed the “Paul Newman” after the famous actor was witnessed wearing a ref. 6239 with the illusive exotic dial. Introduced towards the end of the 1960’s, the ref. 6262 was released together with its acrylic bezel peer ref. 6264. Considered as a transitional reference, with both models featuring yet pump pushers, they featured an upgraded cal. 727. The production of the reference seized around 1972, making way for two new references with upgraded screw-down pushers, ref. 6263 & 6265. It is estimated that throughout the 9 year production span of references featuring pump pushers, ref. 6239, 6241, 6262 & 6264, only 16,300 examples were produced with approximately 1,120 encased in yellow gold. While some examples of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newmans are rarer than others due to distinctive traits and production numbers, there are only a handful that can be considered by collectors as absolute grails, such as double signed pieces. Established in 1877, Texas-based retailer Linz is a family business and was run and groomed by five brothers. The firm’s co-founder Joseph Linz retired in 1907, prompting the remaining family members to change the company name from Linz to Linz Brothers. The retailer’s logo features a unique typeface with the “N” printed backwards making them instantly recognizable. The present example ref. 6262 from circa 1970 with a 2.3 million serial displays an attractive “Panda” non-oyster Paul Newman dial that features the rare and highly desirable Linz signature printed below “COSMOGRAPH”. Fresh-to-the-market, the present example is a rare find that has never been offered to the public before making this a truly momentous event for the vintage watch collecting community. Extremely attractive, the dial has been preserved in excellent overall condition with a clean surface and uninterrupted luminous plots. To further enhance the originality of the timepiece it features all the correct components such as the original Twinlock 600 crown and pump pushers as well as a riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet with its clasp stamped “ROLEX USA” and “I-71”.