Rolex. A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and box
Lot 164 THE PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR

Rolex. A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and box

SIGNED ROLEX, COSMOGRAPH, DAYTONA, PAUL NEWMAN MODEL, REF. 6264, CASE NO. 2'372'881, CIRCA 1969

Closed12 May 2014

Price Realised

CHF 245,000

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Rolex. A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and box
Signed Rolex, Cosmograph, Daytona, Paul Newman model, ref. 6264, case no. 2'372'881, circa 1969
Cal. 727 mechanical movement, 17 jewels, white matte dial, applied square numerals with luminous accents, luminous hands, outer fifths of a second divisions on black chapter ring, three engine-turned black subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registers with white numerals, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, black bezel calibrated for 200 units, screw back, screw down crown, two round chronograph buttons in the band, stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
37 mm. diam.

Specialist note

With Rolex original fitted presentation box.

Ref. 6264 and ref. 6262 are the twin references - the only difference between the two is the bezel: steel for ref. 6262 and black insert for 6264 - heirs to their previous counterparts: ref. 6239 and 6241. The evolution is in the movement, as they mount the new calibre 727, natural evolution of the previous 722-1.

Production of ref. 6264 lasted for a very short time, compared to other Daytona models: only around 3 years, from the late 1960s to 1972. Consequently, it is one of the rarest Daytona references, both modern and vintage. Obviously, the Paul Newman version is even more difficult to find. When, however, a Paul Newman 6264 accompanied by its original box and in the condition of the present example comes to auction, collectors realize they are witnessing an exceptional opportunity.

Indeed, the present example is as close to "as-new" condition as a nearly half a century old watch gets. The satin on the lugs is superbly preserved, as are the razor sharp edges of the case. The usually dented black insert of the bezel is in this case spotless. The case back is virtually untouched, its milling as crisp as when the watch left the workshop. The dial is flawless. The only hint of the passage of time is the even, charming tone shift of the luminous material of the accents and in the hands, now a warm hazelnut/ivory hue.

For the avid Daytona collector this is a nearly unique occasion, and it may well be years before a similar example comes again to the market.