Lot
1
Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘The Priest’
well-preserved and early stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with extremely rare black and white dial configuration, tachymeter bezel and bracelet. Rolex
YEAR
Circa 1964
REFERENCE
6239
CASE
1’080’193
MODEL NAME
Cosmograph
MATERIAL
Stainless steel
CALIBRE
Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
BRACELET/STRAP
Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max. length 195mm
CLASP/BUCKLE
Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 4.68
DIMENSIONS
36.5mm diameter
SIGNED
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
ESTIMATE CHF 50,000-100,000 EUR 45,000-90,000 US$ 50,000-100,000
HAMMER PRICE
LITERATURE The present watch is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 132 to 135.
Prominently displayed in literature, the present timepiece is a very rare variant of reference 6239. Featuring a black grené dial bearing “Rolex Cosmograph” printed in white, its bi-color configuration is incredibly striking and provides a stunning visual contrast. While similar in appearance to the first generation reference 6239 or “Double Swiss Underline”, this watch displays a “T Swiss T” inscription at 6 o’clock rather than “Swiss”. Instead of using radium, dial makers now used tritium for the luminous dots due to changes in regulations. This layout shows how the reference gradually evolved. It demonstrates how Rolex expanded its repertoire by slowly altering existing formulae. Like most of its first series predecessors, the movement bridge is also stamped ROW, indicating it was made for the American market. Preserved in exceptional condition, the early bezel is very crisp. The milling on the case back is particularly impressive. Furthermore, the dial hardly displays any spotting or tarnishing.
ENLARGED SHOT OF CROWN BEARING CROWN LOGO, PUSHERS AND FLUTED CASE BACK – UP-CLOSE PHOTO OF THE BLACK DIAL SHOWING MAIN GRAPHICS IN WHITE – INSIDE VIEW OF THE MECHANISM.
MANUFACTURER
DAYTONA ULTIMATUM 23