Rolex Daytona Ref.6239 is the brand's first chronograph inspired by racing sports. It was born in 1963 and marked the legendary beginning of the "Cosmograph Daytona" series. This model features a 37mm stainless steel case with a signature tachymeter scale bezel. The dial is presented in classic black and silver, complemented by an "exotic" design - a cream background with Art Deco-style hour markers, and the chronograph subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock are in contrasting colors, with scales of 15, 30, 45, and 60, making it highly recognizable17. It is equipped with a manual winding Cal.722 movement, a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, and a water resistance of 30 meters, showing the precision craftsmanship of early chronographs410.
This watch is known worldwide for being worn by movie star Paul Newman. His privately owned 6239 set a record for a watch at auction in 2017 for $17.8 million and was known as the ?Paul Newman Daytona?12. The caseback is often engraved with a personalized inscription, such as the Newman model with a message from his wife, ?Drive Carefully ME?, giving it a unique emotional value2. As a rare model produced in limited quantities in the early days, the 6239 has become a highly sought-after treasure in the collectors? circle due to its celebrity effect and historical significance, combining classic aesthetics with investment potential710.
