Why This Watch Matters It's not bashful, it's only a "Small Daytona" ref. 6239. The Full Story The Rolex Daytona has reached legendary status in the watch collecting world and is widely considered to be one of the most desirable watches in existence, both vintage and contemporary. It all started in 1963 when Rolex debuted the ref. 6239. The so-called "Cosmograph" was a chronograph with a tachymeter on the bezel and was originally marketed toward drivers. Fun Fact: Rolex actually referred to this model as the "Le Mans" in early advertisements before it became the official timekeeper of Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The example we have here dates to 1966 and the 6239s defining characteristics would be the manual-winding movement, pump pushers, and steel bezel and these are shared with the 6239's successor, the ref. 6262. The watch we have here today is the classic 6239, but with a little twist - the small "Daytona" text below "Cosmograph," which is not typical for the 6239. Before the "Cherry Red" Daytona of the later 1960s and following Daytona designations above the six o'clock hour register, the Daytona featured simple text located at 12 o'clock as we have on the watch here. Coined the "Small Daytona", these earlier watches feature a font that is slightly smaller than the "Rolex" and "Cosmograph" above it, distinguishing themselves from the later equally sized font Daytona designations. Another nice feature on this watch is the early base 300 bezel in great condition. Rolex would shortly thereafter phase out these base 300 bezels to base "200." Making this example all the more outstanding is its great condition. On the dial surface, the silver sunburst finish is very pronounced with a light patina. The lume has all aged to an even, matching, light cream patina which works well with the vibe of this watch. The steel bezel allows this watch to be on the more under-the-radar end of the spectrum. This 6239 is just stunning in the metal, especially the way the light reflects off of the silver dial – it just sings. This Daytona will have you checking the time more than you will need to. One of the great things about vintage Rolex are the little details; although from a far, this may look like your standard 6239, when you look closer, you realize how special it is. A little detail, the movement of this Daytona is stamped "ROW" indicating it was originally destined for the US market. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: DaytonaReference: 6239Year: 1966Case No: 1475595Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 15mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 722Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, Oyster rivet bracelet ref. 7205 with 58 end links (Approximate max wrist size 7.75in / 197mm)Lug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - "Small Daytona" dial variant- Base "300" bezel- Outstanding overall condition Things To Know: - Light scratches on case and bracelet This Daytona is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case is strong with some scratches and the case may have been lightly polished. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks from the bracelet being removed. The numbers are clearly visible between both sets of lugs and between the lugs show some wear. The original steel bezel has remained in good condition with some scratches and light nicks on the edges, particularly at "250". The black paint within the bezel has been reapplied. The dial is in great overall condition with very light overall patina and a few small imperfections throughout. The lume on the hands and dial have developed a patina that is matching in color. The lume plots are round and full except for a few at three, six, and 10 that show normal signs of degradation. Some of the lume plots have developed small spots of darker patina. Due to the nature of the domed crystal, the edge of the dial and plots can be hard to see. The hands and hour markers have developed some patina. The black registers have developed light patina. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The Rolex Swiss-made rivet bracelet is in great condition with light scratches. The clasp is marked "4-65," indicating it's from the fourth quarter of 1965, matching well with the case number. The crystal has some light scratches. The dial, case, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Related
Related
Related
Related