Introduction
Released in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has become perhaps the most iconic chronograph the world has ever seen. Famed for its legendary design, a rich heritage in motorsport and ties to famed actor and race car driver Paul Newman whose wearing the watch spurred a watch collector frenzy, the Daytona's reputation precedes itself. However, it wasn’t always that way for the Daytona. Released to celebrate Rolex becoming the Daytona International Speedway's official timekeeper the year before in 1962, the Cosmograph was actually a commercial failure in the early years of its launch. Debuting as the ref. 6239, the reference we have here is the traditional model with a silver non-exotic dial with black subdials that ultimately failed to strike a chord with Rolex’s customers at the time, leading to its rarity when compared to Rolex’s universally popular models like the Datejust, Day-Date, Submariner and GMT-Master. Measuring in at 37mm and powered by the iconic Valjoux cal. 722 movement, the ref. 6239 was up to the task Rolex set for it, but customers would still choose its competitors instead. While Rolex had called the Cosmograph both the Le Mans and the Daytona, they eventually stuck with the Daytona name in 1965 and birthed the fully-fledged icon that we know today. Among the long list of Daytona references we have today, the first-generation four-digit references are the most desirable, with the ref. 6239 that we have here residing as one of the best-known, and the first. Additionally, this example features an engraved caseback reading “Fuerza Aera Del Peru,” who, like plenty of other military units at the time, decided to supply their servicemen and high-ranking officials with timepieces. While Omega originally supplied the Peruvian Air Force in the early 1960s, Rolex was soon awarded the contract which formed the basis of the relationship between the director of Rolex in South America and the official Rolex dealer in the capital of Peru.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$40,000 – $60,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Daytona
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 722
Reference
6239
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1966
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a "Panda" dial, this example's display is bright silver with a sunburst finish and contrasting black subdials. Additionally, as one of two distinct variants, this example features its "Daytona" in baby blue, as opposed to the cherry red that was also produced.
THE CASEBACK
Featuring an engraved caseback reading "Fuerza Aerea Del Peru," this ref. 6239 was issued to the Peruvian Air Force as part of a rare batch of Daytonas that were to be used on the field by their pilots and high-ranking officials.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits some surface wear, with some scratches and marks visible on the the lugs and polished sides of the case. Bezel has some scratches and some minor loss to the black enameling. There is some light porosity visible between the lugs, but the numbers are still sharp and visible without having to use a loupe. "Fuerza Aera Del Peru" signed caseback in very good overall condition, with light putting and marks on the surface. The last 3 digits of the serial number are engraved inside the caseback as they should be. The original silver dial is excellent with intact luminous plots and only minor general signs of age. Watch comes on a later folded oyster bracelet with 357 endpices. There are 12 links total, with light stretch. Bracelet fits a 7 1/2" wrist.
This watch was preiously sold on Loupe This in Nov, 2023.
Our Perspective
The one that started it all, the ref. 6239 stands as the first-ever Daytona variant and perhaps one of the most important references in all of watch collecting with its iconic link to Paul Newman and all of the incredible Daytona references that we have been treated to by Rolex over the decades.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
