Rolex 6240

Daytona ‘Paul Newman’, Reference 6240 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1967 Rolex

Dial: black exotic Calibre: cal. 722 manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back Case number: 1’658’413 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claps Size: 37 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: Rolex warranty booklet, calendar card for 1965 and 1966 and document holder Produced alongside references 6239 and 6241, reference 6240 was the very first Rolex chronograph to be 'truly' waterproof, with a depth rating of 100 meters, despite the fact that it used the same case as the pump pusher references and was not designated an 'Oyster'. Rolex was able to do this through the use of screw-down 'Millerighe' pushers and larger Oyster crown, in combination with the Daytona case which was already waterproof to 50 meters. Reference 6240 predated the newer Oyster designated references 6263 and 6265 by 6 years, entering production in 1965, and because it stands as an almost oddball reference, using a combination of Oyster and non-Oyster components, it can be regarded as a true prototype in the world of vintage Rolex. It was also because of this that the production was extremely limited, with estimated production standing at just 1,750 units. The present 6240 is fitted with a black 'exotic', or 'Paul Newman' dial, elevating its rarity and desirability. Any Paul Newman Daytona is considered a treasure in the world of vintage Rolex collecting, but screw-down Paul Newmans can truly be said to be the jewel in the crown. Only examples produced in the 1.65 million case number range are considered by experts to be correctly fitted with Paul Newman dials, and this lot does indeed fall within that range. Presented in extremely attractive condition with 'sing-a-song' T-Swiss-T designation, early 'millerighe' pushers and period bezel, this lot is also offered with original Rolex papers and accessories and will stand as the crown piece in any collection.