Rolex

The beloved Rolex Cosmograph Ref. 6239 was first launched in 1963 as the 'Le Mans', The reference was innovative for a number of reasons and it marked Rolex’s first use of contrasting colours, but the distinguishing feature was the tachymeter scale that moved from the dial to the steel bezel. It took another two years until the watch was officially renamed to Daytona and became the legendary model that celebrate 60 years this year. 

The present watch features a very rare and desirable “Double Swiss Underline” dial, which is only seen in the earliest examples of this reference from 1963. Bearing the serial number 923’227 this example can be dated back to 1963, making it one of the earliest examples to come to market. Fitted with its correct Mark 1 bezel calibrated to 300 units per hour, it can be easily identified by the 275 units per hour marking nestled between 300 and 250 units per hour. As a result of the larger tachymeter bezel, Rolex had to duplicate the SWISS stamping in order to make it visible on the dial. There is in fact another “SWISS” designation millimetres beneath the second one, found at the dial’s lower edge by 6 o’clock. This amazing watch also comes with a never before seen set of accessories including, box and certificates and accessories the owners collected from the purchase and over the years.  

The first owner was Mr Samuel H. Young, during World War II, he interrupted his studies to serve in the United States Army as a paratrooper from 1943 to 1946. As a member of the 13th Airborne Division, he saw action in central Europe and attained the rank of captain. Using his GI Bill benefits after his honourable discharge, Young resumed his studies and received an LL.B. from the University of Illinois in 1947, and a J.D. from University of Illinois Law School in 1948. In 1963 he decided to buy the new model 'LeMans' from Rolex and became one of the first client wearing this legendary watch later known as Daytona.