
Jonathan Darracott
Global Head
Sold for £69,000 inc. premium
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Head of sale, Knightsbridge
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Senior Cataloguer
The reference 6239 was the first model of the Daytona series, available in Europe in 1964. The model was produced in stainless steel, 14K gold and 18K gold, and was Rolex's first chronograph model to feature a tachometer scale on the bezel. To further enhance legibility on the dial, the subsidiary dials were printed in a different colour than the main dial. Early models featured only the designation "Cosmograph" on the dial, with "Daytona" being added to later series, after Rolex became associated with the NASCAR car races.
The current lot is offered for sale by the original owner and was purchased in 1970 for £109 as a belated 21st birthday present. The vendor originally went in to purchase an Omega Speedmaster but upon finding that the store were out of stock was offered the choice of this Daytona instead. Up until circa 2000 the watch was regularly serviced by Rolex and has since been kept in a safe unused for the last 20 years.