Rolex

This is not a normal hunting ground for me. Much more likely to be found on JLC or PP. However, i was at dinner last night and the husband of my wife's friend was wearing a Rolex daytona. I asked him about it and it turns out to be a Ref. 6239, which he told me was rare. We got into a conversation about rarity and as i understand it, there are a number of references that were specifically rare. He mentioned the 6239, 6241, 6265 and 6263. I have to say, i found it fascinating. I loved his watch. It had such a presence. To be fair, it made my JLC look very ordinary.

I didn't really understand the Paul Newman angle. Some watches are Paul Newmans, but others are not. Can someone explain that too me. Sorry, i apprecaiet how dumb that question might seem to a Rolex officianado, but I just dont know the answer! Presumably, the Paul Newman variation adds to the rarity?

I was also wondering whether there was any specific pecking order of rarity amongst these 1960s and 1970s Daytonas? Again, I can imagine that question might be so vague (and possibly irritating to an officianado), so I apologise in advance. I was just curious what made a Rolex so rare and why.

Joe

here are a few answers to your questions:

- all these manual wound Daytonas did not sell well in the 1960's through 1980's, that's why Rolex did not produce many of them. Hence the relative rarity.

- the rarest references are 6264,6262 then 6241

- the Paul Newman is just a dial variation that you can find on any of the Daytona references

More reading here:

rolex.watchprosite.com

rolex.watchprosite.com

rolex.watchprosite.com

That is really helpful. I didnt realise that the disticntion on the Paul Newman dial was so obvious. Have to say, I prefer the PN dial. I also noticed that quite a few 1960s and 70s Daytonas come without their original metal bracelet, but with leather strap instead. To a purist, is that a big deal. The guy i saw at dinner had his on a leather strap. Still looked great.

I tend to collect between PP and JPC, and sually chronographs. This would be a first venture into Rolex, but I am very taken with this. Have even managed to find a reputable dealer with a 6241 PN for sale. But rarity comes with a price, eh? Curious as to what you think about the bracelet vrs leather.

but the dark leather strap enhances the PN black dial with cream subs.  If you can get a Newman dial Daytona with the bracelet, you can detach and store it if you want and throw on a leather strap as you please.  That gives you the best of both worlds and price is higher for one with original bracelet anyway.  But, beggers can't be choosers and that means there aren't a lot of them out there to pick and choose from.  Be very careful of PN watches and it doesn't matter if it is a reputable dealer.  They've been taken too.  If you educate yourself enough and use Dr Strong's links, etc. you will find it's a lot easier to hunt down a real one.  Be aware of the Texas dials too.  They're really good and I've seen one in person.  All in all, PN Daytona is one of the grail watches to have just like a 1463 PP or a 3646 PAM(my fav's).

Thanks

Scott

Maybe I missed something?  This dial is the standard Cosmograph version.  PN dials are with outer track, etc.  Nevertheless, this piece is a winner!!!

Thanks

Scott