Bonhams 1793 : Rolex. A fine and rare stainless steel wrist chronograph and braceletCosmograph Daytona, Paul Newman model, Ref:6241, Case no. 764838, circa 1965

Cosmograph Daytona, Paul Newman model, Ref:6241, Case no. 764838, circa 1965
17-jewel Cal. 722-1 position adjusted manual winding movement, shock resistant suspension to monometallic balance, dial with cream minute ring with black dot and luminous chapters between red fifth seconds divisions, polished steel hands, subsidiary 30–minute and 12–hour registers and continuous seconds dial in the black center, within a tonneau steel case with black tachymeter bezel, screw down back stamped C.R.S, chronograph activated by two round pushers on case band, screw down crown, Oyster 78350 bracelet with deployant clasp, case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. 37mm.

Sold for US$ 63,700 inc. premium

Footnotes

The Rolex Cosmograph, introduced in 1961, was the first new chronograph model released after the death of Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf in 1960. The watch is also known as the Daytona, after the famous car racing track, and rapidly gained a following in the racing community.

With the Cosmograph model, Rolex also offered an optional dial that had subsidiary dials which featured square markers. Italian collectors quickly nicknamed this exotic dial "the Paul Newman Daytona". The origin of the name can be traced back to the actor, Paul Newman who wore the watch during the filming of the movie Winning and continued to do so in his private life.