Ref. 6264, inside caseback stamped 6239An extremely rare, very fine, and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1969
Reference No: 6264, inside caseback stamped 6239
Case No: 2’417’911
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, "Paul Newman"
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference number 7835/19, end links stamped no. 271, max length 215mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 3.70
Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box and outer box.
Literature: A similar example of a reference 6264 with "Paul Newman" dial is illustrated in The Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 308-309.Amongst all of the Cosmograph Daytonas, the reference 6264 is considered to be one of the rarest and most exclusive of all Daytona models made by Rolex. In production for a few years in the early 1970s, its release coincided with that of the reference 6262. While physically similar to their predecessor references 6239 and 6241, references 6262 and 6264 were fitted with the upgraded Valjoux movement caliber 727. The two references are nearly identical, except for the bezels. The steel bezel on the 6262 bezel is engraved, whereas the 6264 sports a highly resistant acrylic ring with tachometer scale printed in white. Both models would be the last to feature pump pushers, as the introduction of the of screw-down pushers cemented the design of the watch, and made it worthy of Rolex’s “Oyster” moniker as would be seen in the references 6263 and 6265. The rarest of all regular production Daytona models, it is believed that only some 1,700 examples in stainless steel were ever made of reference 6264.
The present watch is fitted with a beautiful "Paul Newman" dial, which is instantly recognizable due to its deco-style numerals within the sub registers. While Paul Newman himself donned an exotic dial reference 6239, his name is forever synonymous with exotic dialed Cosmograph wristwatches. The black on white grené dial, coupled with red "Daytona" text, makes for an incredibly eye-catching and attractive wristwatch. The luminous dots have aged to a pleasing warm yellow tone.
Presented in exceptional condition, this example boasts a crisp case with its sharp, factory finishing intact and robust proportions. The white grené dial is equally stunning with no imperfections and intact luminous hour markers that have aged uniformly to a pleasing vanilla color. It furthermore retains its original and correct Mark I bezel, which is incredibly sought after today. Very few reference 6264 Daytonas surface publicly, and the discerning collector is sure to appreciate the quality, condition, and aesthetic appeal of this premium example.
