Daytona

Introduced in 1963, the Rolex ref. 6239 is the first iteration of the Rolex Daytona and also the first Paul Newman Daytona, in addition to being the actual reference that Paul Newman himself wore (although he did own a number of other Rolex Daytona watches later in life). While Paul Newman’s own Rolex ref. 6239 sported a “Tri-color” white dial with contrasting black chronograph registers and red accents, the model was also produced with a black exotic dial with white registers and a red minute track surrounding the dial’s perimeter.

Furthermore, the red color was also used for the DAYTONA logo above 6 o’clock on both dial variants, while the stationary metal bezel is engraved with the tachymeter scale. Additionally, the case of the ref. 6239 has pump pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock rather than the screw-down pushers that will later furnish the Daytona line. It is estimated that Rolex only produced about 2,000 to 3,000 exotic Daytona dials .

The leading brand in Swiss luxury watches, Rolex enjoys an unrivalled reputation for excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer of the wristwatch since 1905, the brand is at the origin of landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the first waterproof wristwatch - the Oyster - and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. Its watches have accompanied explorers and achievers around the world, from the top of the highest mountains to the deepest reaches of the ocean. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise through a broad palette of sponsoring activities and philanthropic programmes. An independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches.