6239, 'Paul Newman' Daytona, Steel

The ref. 6239 is the very start of the Daytona. None are more desirable than Paul Newmans, seen here with in classic tri-color black dial. Produced by Singer, these red-accented dials are art deco in detail, yet chronograph and tool watch in purpose. Most estimate 2500 examples of Paul Newman ref. 6239 were produced, however the number which have survived in an original state is considerably smaller. This is the start of the Paul Newman, the start of the Daytona, and simply one of the most attractive chronographs ever produced by Rolex.  

Initially called the ‘Le Mans’, the 6239 marked the birth of the Daytona in 1963. It is a watch of firsts. It was the first Rolex to move the tachymeter scale from the dial to its steel bezel and to use Cosmograph rather than Chronograph, features widely accepted as the delineation between pre-Daytona and Daytona. Previously Rolex chronograph dials were monotone, consistent in color between dial and subdials. The 6239 brought the first use of the contrasting ‘Panda’ dial color scheme. 6239 also introduced the start of exotic or ‘Paul Newman’ configurations. 

Paul Newman dials are delineated by their square subdial indices, art deco fonts, and stepped outer track/subdials. Most estimate 15% of 6239 production was in exotics dials. This would indicate conservatively perhaps 2500 Paul Newmans produced, with the overall production of 14000 ref. 6239 examples. While slow sellers and undesirable in period, the Paul Newman Daytona has today become one of the pinnacles of Rolex collecting. This due in no small part to a white tri-color 6239 worn by actor Paul Newman (initially made famous by an Italian magazine feature). Examples are separated by metal, dial type, and reference, of course, but perhaps nothing moreso than condition. 

This 6239 is wonderful in all aspects, found from the original family 2 years ago by a private collector. Not only is the case fantastically preserved, but its dial is simply astounding. The highly attractive originality and shape of this Paul Newman separates it far more than any individual variant could.  

Today, the Paul Newman commands attention at auction and in private collections alike. Beyond mere speculative investment value, it represents a key chapter in Rolex’s chronograph history, embodying the shift toward modern chronograph design while retaining a distinctly manual-winding character. It embodies motorsport, Hollywood, and the most romantic era of Rolex’s storied heritage. 

This 6239 presents in exceptional overall condition. The dial is astounding, with light and even patina most represented in warm, tan tritium (matching perfectly under UV. Its subdials lack any signs of damage or lifted hands. The case is equally lovely, with minimal signs of light wear and fantastically sharp, present in full proportions. Its calibre 722 is running well in specification. It comes on its original 7205/71 bracelet.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.