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 and the same reference that Paul Newman himself wore, the Cosmograph was up against industry titans like Heuer, Breitling and others. Measuring in at 37mm and powered by its iconic Valjoux movement, the ref. 6239 was always up to the task, but customers would choose the other options 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. In addition to the evolution of its name, another tactic Rolex employed to popularize their watch was giving it new dial variants, with the exotic dial, or “Paul Newman” dial as it is known, existing as one of those dial variants. Best known for the square counters in its subdials and red accents along its chapter ring, the dial our ref. 6239 here features is indeed the ‘Paul Newman’ dial in black with white subdials, otherwise known as a "Reverse Panda" dial. An icon of horology and greater pop culture, the Paul Newman Daytona was popularized in the 1980s when collectors caught on to Paul Newman wearing his famous example, and since then the Daytona as a whole has become one of the most desirable watches in horology, and the four digit ‘Paul Newman’ exotic dial examples like the one we have here stand as the apex predator of that food chain.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case lugs are full and well portioned, but exhibit soft edges and show signs of previous polishing. Bezel retains nearly all of its black enameling and is free from any significant marks. The original black Paul Newman dial is in very good condition. There is some discoloration visible on the white surfaces, primarily in the 6 o'clock subdial, as well as the lower outer track from approx 25 to 40 past. The tritium luminous dots are mostly intact, and have discolored to a light grey-ish tone. Black surface of dial is free from any visible scratches or marks. The watch comes on a USA rivet band with 10 links total, and fits a 7" wrist. The blades have been replaced with more modern ones (Original Rolex) There is light to moderate stretch.

We're proud to present this truly exceptional Paul Newman Daytona for auction on Loupe This. Considered by many to be the ultimate Rolex, the Paul Newman 6239 represents the very pinnacle of watch collecting, with its heritage, rarity and unmistakable design all coming together in the form of a truly spectacular wristwatch. We love the condition of this piece, down to the fully intact luminous plots on the dial. A personal pet peeve of mine is broken luminous plots (which is a frequent issue with vintage Daytonas), and this example does not have that issue.