ROLEX | 'PAUL NEWMAN' DAYTONA, REF 6241STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1968

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 722-1 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 1'767'519Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspDimensions: 36.5 mm, bracelet circumference approximately 170 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none 

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets properly at 12. CASE: in very good condition with sharpness to the lugs and very minor light polishing. There is some light surface wear visible with the naked eye. The crown is a service replacement and is slightly larger in size. The bracelet is in very good condition with light surface wear only. It is stamped 2-70 on the clasp, 7835/19 on the bracelet and the endlinks are stamped 271. DIAL: hands in very good condition with minor dents throughout. Dial in very good condition with all lume plots complete except at 3 which has a partial loss of lume and matching tritium dust visible under UV light. The hands and dial lume plots react very closely under UV light, with the same color and intensity. There are some minor tarnishes to the subsidiary dials. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

It can be said that the Rolex Daytona has undoubtedly become the most iconic wristwatch in the world of vintage collecting, despite a rather slow commercial start. In an effort to boost sales for their then struggling chronograph, Rolex began offering a selection of more colourful and racetrack-oriented dials, advertised as ‘exotic’. The interest for the Daytona sparked when legendary actor Paul Newman was notoriously seen wearing his personal Daytona ref. 6239 with an exotic dial. Such dials have ever since been affectionately nicknamed ‘Paul Newman’ and add tremendous value to the pieces they are fitted on.  

It is today acknowledged that a mere 2700 stainless steel examples have been produced with a fraction of these bearing the Paul Newman Dial. The 6241 combines a 6239 case with pump-pushers and a screw-down back, together with a black tachymeter bezel insert. The reference was available in 18k and 14k gold in addition to stainless steel. 

The present example was manufactured in 1967 and stands in stunning condition. Its tricolour Paul Newman dial is correct for this reference and bears the collectible red minute outer-track. The lume plots are thick and perfectly react under UV light, in complete tune with the luminous hands. The case features the convex curve at 3 o’clock, a feature introduced in 1966, and is adorned with the original and highly sought-after Mark I bezel insert. Furthermore, the present piece is fitted with an early calibre 722-1 which was introduced the same year and brought some minor updates to the Valjoux 72 based calibre. Finally, the present watch is offered with its period-correct 7835 folded Oyster bracelet and 271 endlinks, making this 6241 Paul Newman Daytona a complete piece.