Rolex. A fine and rare 14K gold manual wind chronograph wristwatch

• Manufacturer: Rolex
  Year: Circa 1968
  Reference No: 6241; inner caseback also stamped 6241
  Case No: 1’947’396
  Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman "John Player Special"
  Material: 18K yellow gold
  Calibre: Manual, cal. 722-1, 17 jewels
  Bracelet/Strap: Leather
  Clasp/Buckle: Gold-plated
  Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
  Signed: Case, dial, buckle, and movement signed.
  Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex guarantee confirming sale in Hong Kong on 2 February 1971.

• Catalogue Essay

  Racing cars are often known for their vivid livery: John Wyer’s orange and blue Mirage M1 that eventually became the GT40 in 1968 and won Le Mans two years running, the red and white stripes of Marlboro sponsored cars, or even British Racing Green which can be seen painted on English cars. As cars and watches are so symbiotic, these colors have transferred onto automobiles’ smaller mechanical companions to great success. One of the sleekest, most-desired, and valued color schemes is the black and gold of the John Player Special Tobacco company, which in 1972, was chosen as the livery of Team Lotus’s Formula One race cars.
  
  The similar gold and black scheme of the gold-cased vintage Daytona reference 6241 with black “Paul Newman” dial takes its nickname “John Player Special” from these cars and the cigarette-maker that sponsored them. The John Player Special has risen to become one of the most important, iconic models in the field of vintage Rolex sports watches. The reference 6241 was manufactured between approximately 1966 and 1969, with our research indicating that fewer than 300 examples were cased in 18K yellow gold. While the watch was conceived some years before the car and has no relation to the sporting event, from the contrasting black and gold graphics to the intricate trim and details, the similarities between the two are absolutely uncanny.
  
  Absolutely fresh-to-the-market and purchased by the consignor from the family of the original owner, this previously unknown John Player Special displays some highly collectible and coveted traits. The superb dial is as close to a perfect 10 out of 10 as one will ever see, with no flaws or blemishes whatsoever, allowing the vibrant contrast of the main dial and sub dials to glow. Each original luminous plot is perfectly formed, even, and matches the intact luminous material on the handset. The charismatic, sing-a-song “T-SWISS-T” printing at the bottom of the dial is the rarely-seen enlarged print version with beautiful serifs present on each letter, perfectly correct for the serial number range. The 18K yellow gold case retains very strong proportions and sharp hallmarks. Furthermore, this reference 6241 bearing the serial number 1’947’396 (several JPS examples that have appeared on the market bear similar 1’947’XXX serial numbers demonstrating they were perhaps produced in one batch) retains its original guarantee from Rolex, indicating it was sold on February 2nd, 1971 by Artland Watch Company in Hong Kong. Combined, these qualities make the present JPS an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire an extraordinarily beautiful, wearable, and collectable piece of Rolex history.

Artist Biography

Rolex

Swiss • 1905