Eric's Pick
Of superb quality, the present wristwatch furthermore distinguishes itself through the following key features. Matching the early serial number, this timepiece is offered with a rare and sought-after MK1 bezel and original push down chronograph buttons. In stunning condition, the dial of the wristwatch retains its strong colors, contrast and luminescent material to the applied indexes. The stainless-steel case of the chronograph is very well preserved, displaying crisp and legible serial numbers as well as the inside case back stamped 6239. The inside of the case back is also stamped C.R.S indicating the case was made by Charles Rene Spielman a case supplier for Rolex. The movement is stamped with the US import code, ROW, meaning this watch was specifically made for the American market. The highly coveted Rolex Oyster expandable riveted bracelet further adds to the appeal of the chronograph, and is offered here in outstanding condition.

Introduced during the 1960s, the Rolex Cosmograph was named following the fervor surrounding outer space travel. Later bearing the inscription Daytona, due to Rolex’s involvement with the celebrated International Speedway, the popularity of the chronograph soared throughout the years, leading it to become an icon and source of great fascination.

Succeeding the Rolex reference 6238, the 6239 differed through its metallic bezel with engraved tachometer scale enhancing the legibility of the bi-color dial. Built with two push down chronograph buttons, the timepiece was assembled with the reliable Valjoux 72B mechanism, and available in stainless steel, 14 or 18 karat gold.

With the ending production of the reference 6238, the Cosmograph was subject to research in order to enhance its commercial appeal. It is around 1967 that the first chronographs, such as the present example, were provided with “exotic” dials bearing a new tridimensional graphic layout. Diverting from standard dials, the background of the outer fifths of a second division matched the subsidiary registers, both slightly sunken with regards to the central surface of the dial. Furthermore, square shaped hour indexes were applied instead of the common baton indexes.

Originally offered to customers as an alternative, “exotic” dials arose to fame once the celebrated actor Paul Newman was seen wearing a Daytona chronograph with such a dial in a publicity shoot for the film Winning. Following their discontinuation, Rolex chronographs with “exotic” dials have become undisputed icons in the world of vintage watch collecting and part of the most prized trophies for astute collectors.

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