Rolex

Introduced in 1965, the reference 6240 was the first Daytona to incorporate screw-down pushers and thus became the first waterproof Cosmograph model to be produced by Rolex. Manufactured solely in stainless steel, the chronograph also features an acrylic tachometer bezel calibrated to 200. There were a few different dial variations found on the reference 6240. Early examples such as the present watch are distinguished by the lack of ‘Oyster’ written on the dial, not yet referring to the screw down pushers. Instead, this example features a dial version better known on the reference 6239 with the ‘small’ Daytona designation. This shows that Rolex was still using the non-Oyster 6239 dials for some of the new reference 6240 watches. The next dial type was similar but with the model name ‘Daytona’ now in larger text. It was only for the later examples of reference 6240 did Rolex fit a dial with the ‘Oyster’ designation. In production until 1969, it is thought that no more than approximately 1,700 pieces were made.

The present lot is consigned by an airline pilot, who purchased the watch as a gift to himself in the late 1980s after successfully completing the Alitalia Flight School and earning his license to fly for the airline, now known as ITA Airways. The watch was relied upon as a trusted companion for more than 30 years as he flew around the world.