Rolex. A rare and attractive 18K gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and champagne dial

The present "Paul Newman" is a very rare find for the Rolex aficionados since it combines a number of elements enhancing its desirability. Firstly, it is offered by the original owner himself and has consequently survived the last four decades without unnecessary interventions. As a matter of fact, it is overall an incredibly healthy example as one would like to see. Delivered to the UK in 1972, it was bought a year later by the parents of the present owner as a gift for his 20th birthday. The presentation inscription on the case back is a wonderful proof of that memorable event. The case back and the folding clasp both feature the English import marks for gold with the correct date letter for 1971/72. Furthermore the inside of the case back is also engraved "R.W.C. Ltd.", referring to the UK branch of Rolex. Interestingly, also the serial number of the watch is repeated inside the back, a feature normally reserved to Rolex watches issued to armed forces.

The dial, a wonderful champagne "exotic" version, features the very rare white second, minute and hour markings on the black subsidiary dials. This exclusive variant is generally associated with reference 6264, made around the same period.

For a reference 6264 fitted with such a dial see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 254 & 255.

Reference 6239 is described and illustrated in Rolex Daytona - a legend is born by Carlo Pergola, Stefano Mazzariol, Giovanni Dosso, pp. 44 - 61. Different versions of reference 6239 in regard to case material and dial layout are furthermore described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 296 - 303.