View a video of this lot here: https://youtu.be/4NKaiykk2u8
CIRCA: 1968
REF.: 6239
CASE NUMBER: 1781922
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 36 mm in diameter
DIAL: Black exotic "Paul Newman" dial with applied hour markers, red detailing on outer track and white chapter and chronograph subregisters
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel USA Rolex Jubilee with folding large coronet clasp and 49 end links
BRACELET SIZE: 7-1/4 inches
MOVEMENT: Manual wind
FUNCTIONS: Time and chronograph
CALIBER: Valjoux 722
The Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" is the most desirable and valuable vintage sport watches. Famously worn by the actor and race car enthusiast, the watch has become just as legendary as the man who it is associated with. Paul's own "Paul Newman" Daytona watch famously sold at auction in 2017 for $17.8 million dollars, becoming the most expensive vintage wristwatch ever sold at auction.
The present watch is being offered by a Michigan gentleman who bought it from the estate of the original owner some time in the 1980s. The watch has been mostly unworn since then. This example is in the earliest range of "Paul Newman" Daytonas known to the market. It is a "Mark 1" style of Paul Newman black dial with a larger T SWISS T at the bottom of the dial, still in the typical "sing-a-song" wavy style that is correct and authentic for the early reference 6239 dials. It also features the correct thin seconds hand and flared minute and hour register hands that are correct for the earliest examples. We surmise that the US-made Rolex Jubilee bracelet is original to the watch from purchase as this was a common and frequently preferred option for American buyers at that time. Overall, it is very difficult to find such an outstanding example of this "holy grail" watch.
PROPERTY OF A MICHIGAN GENTLEMAN
Condition
Case in very good condition with small scratches throughout. It shows evidence of light polishing, but retains a brushed finish on the tops of the lugs. Dial is in excellent condition with a creamy even patina on the lume and a couple of black marks on the 3 o'clock subregister. Slight oxidation to the subregister hands. The present example is running at the time of cataloging and is overall in very good condition. However; the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that there is no guarantee on the future working of the movement.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
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