Rolex Daytona 6239 Paul Newman: Five Years On

DrStrong · 2015-04-28T03:42:03Z

DrStrong shares five years with his Rolex Daytona 6239 'Paul Newman'. Discover the allure, history, and collector insights on this iconic vintage chronograph. Includes photos.

DrStrong

WPS member · Rolex forum

28 replies12617 views8 photos

DrStrong shares a deeply personal five-year journey with his grail watch, the Rolex Daytona 6239 'Paul Newman'. His reflection offers an intimate look into the allure of this iconic vintage timepiece, from its aesthetic details to its historical significance. DrStrong's narrative provides valuable insights into the emotional connection collectors form with their watches, especially those with such a storied past.

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Nicolas has recently told us his ten years love story with his Platinum Patek Philippe World Time :

patek.watchprosite.com

That story reminded me that I treated myself with a Paul Newman Daytona when I turned 40…and that I’m now 45. That means I have already spent five years with my grail, the watch that I have always considered as the most beautiful one and the absolute “must have” for any vintage Rolex enthusiast.

When I first got interested in vintage Rolex, I fell in love with the watch. I had always been keen on chronographs and to me, the Paul Newman Daytona had just everything:

• an incredible case, with very sensual curves and a perfect size for my wrist. The Oyster case is very famous for technical reasons and has the reputation of being bullet-proof. But some vintage Rolex models have also very special and sensual curves…something about proportions and balance….to me, the vintage Daytona is the most striking example.

• The beauty of the dial colors and subdials display. The white color of the Paul Newman Daytona is definitely anything but white, it is more “cream”. Also, the texture of the paint is quite unique. The shape of the subdials and the outside minute ring “step” add to the three dimensional effect of this dial, that makes it so special.

• The history of the watch, with of course the whole “Paul Newman thing” . I have always been a huge fan of the actor and knowing that this model was his personal watch and the one he used to wear on the tracks was another reason for me to like it.

• The little extra that is associated with the watch, a kind of mystery and aura. At the same time, the watch is the most famous vintage Rolex and it is very desirable. But it also scares some people, because they know that there are lots of fakes…. so you definitely have to be an expert to be able to tell a good one from a fake. I have always considered that there are two types of vintage Rolex collectors: those who own a Paul Newman Daytona….and the other ones !

The first time I saw a PN in the metal was in a vintage watch dealer shop in Aix en Provence. It was on the wrist of a very classy Italian collector, who wanted to sell it. It was way above my budget, but I knew that I would have one someday. Then I started to “do my homework” about the watch, study the dial details and variations in order to be able to pull the trigger on a good example some day.

About ten years later, I finally spotted a black dial 6239. But after a couple of months, I realized that the black dial was not for me….So I sold the watch to a good friend collector and started to hunt again, this time for the white dial variation.

About six months later, I found a great example that I could afford. It was a coincidence, but it was just a couple of days before my 40th birthday. So I offered the watch to myself ;-)

So now I’m a happy old collector. I don’t wear my watch on such a regular basis, but I know that I have one….and from time to time, I pick my baby up from the bank vault and take it for a little ride.

This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2015-04-28 03:43:02 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2015-05-04 21:49:40

About the Rolex 6239 Ref. 6239

The Rolex 6239 represents a black dial variant within this reference, produced from 1963 to 1969. This reference occupies a specific position in Rolex's chronograph offerings of the period, distinguished by its black dial configuration and manual winding operation.

The watch features a 37mm stainless steel case fitted with a fixed tachymeter bezel and acrylic crystal. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters. The manual winding movement utilizes the Valjoux 72 caliber, providing a 45-hour power reserve. The timepiece is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on vintage Rolex chronographs from the 1960s production era. The black dial variant offers an alternative to other dial configurations within the 6239 reference range. The manual winding Valjoux 72 movement and 37mm case size reflect the technical specifications typical of this production period.

Specifications

Caliber: Valjoux 72

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 37 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

While acknowledging the Paul Newman Daytona's allure and its place in serious Rolex collections, a contributor questions the statement that there are only two types of Rolex collectors: those with a PN Daytona and those without.
The Paul Newman Daytona is considered a 'very important' watch for the author, chosen for his 40th birthday. The debate between black and white dials is noted, with both having distinct appeals, though current prices are a significant barrier.
Another collector shares a similar five-year ownership milestone with their Paul Newman Daytona, highlighting the shared experience among enthusiasts.
A collector expresses a strong, enduring attachment to their Paul Newman Daytona, noting that other interesting watches in their collection did not evoke the same adoration.
The author reflects on the past, noting that owning a Paul Newman Daytona was less about money and more about finding a correct example and possessing the knowledge to buy it, contrasting with today's price-driven market.
The Paul Newman Daytona is praised as the most appealing and beautiful version of the Daytona, with a specific appreciation for its combination with a white racing strap.

The Discussion

Baron - Mr Red

Apr 28, 2015

But....you know what i am going to post next????? Because if you are celebrating 5yrs with your PN........ I must be celebrating 5yrs with your PN too!!

Le Monde Edmond

Apr 28, 2015

There are many parts that I really like. Like treating yourself for your 4oth birthday. Doing research on trying to buy the best example. Your right. There is something alluring about the PN Daytona for sure. It is an attractive watch. No doubt. And it does belong in any serious Rolex collection. But there is one statement that I don't agree with so much. There are two type of Rolex collectors. The PN Daytona and the others. I am not sure I agree with this statement. I am not sure how you meant

Mark in Paris

Apr 28, 2015

Some watch fan don't even find which watch could be their grail one. You identified one and you acquired it, so congratulations! A very nice post which makes dream even more. Cheers, Mark

amanico

Apr 28, 2015

There are watches which are important for us, and there are watches which are very important. This one belongs to the last category, for you, obviously. The fact that you chose it for your 40th is not neutral, of course. Now, black or white? I really don't know. I never knew, by the way, as I like both of them. Maybe the white is cooler, while the black is stronger. Both would be THE solution. But apart the authenticity, there is another problem. The price they reached... Happy and Lucky you! Th

watch-guy.com

Apr 28, 2015

special present for 50 yrs!! Julian

4Js

Apr 28, 2015

And, while good for current owners, it is crazy for someone who would like to enjoy this beauty at this point (like me!) Jeff, just fab pix and a great reflection of your taste. Best Joe

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Rolex Daytona 6239 Paul Newman: Five Years On

About the Rolex 6239 Ref. 6239

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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