Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241 Black Tri-Color Paul Newman dial with Rolex service papers

One of the most iconic wristwatch models in history is the Rolex Daytona. It occupies an ultra-rare status among vintage Rolex collectors, often regarded as the ultimate grail. The entire line of 4-digit Daytona references is celebrated for their rarity, beauty, and collectibility, with a particular dial layout known as the “grail”, the so-called Newman dials.

 

Many enthusiasts are already familiar with the story of the Daytona. Originally introduced under the name Cosmograph “Le Mans,” it was later renamed “Daytona” after the famous racetrack in Florida. Initially, the model did not experience overwhelming popularity; it was a unpopular watch with worldwide modest interest. 

 

To boost its appeal and capture the aesthetic of the era across multiple model lines, Rolex commissioned their dial manufacturer, Singer, to develop a design study for potential new dials. These early variations, featured in Singer catalogs, included the first prototypes for the “Exotic” dials, bolder, with a 60s/70s vibe, vivid colors, Art Deco fonts, and more intriguing designs. At the time of their release in the 1960s, these dials were considered quirky and not highly sought after compared to other Rolex models. However, several key factors eventually contributed to their rise in popularity.

 

Fast forward a bit, and we find actor Paul Newman, renowned for his love of Rolex Daytonas. He owned multiple references and was frequently seen wearing a Daytona 6239 with a white exotic dial, the very watch gifted to him by his wife, Joan. Newman appeared in numerous iconic films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler, and Road to Perdition. Beyond his acting career, he was a skilled race car driver, participating professionally, representing Rolex, and competing in prestigious events like the 1979 Le Mans, where he finished second overall and first in his class.

 

During his prime, Newman was often photographed wearing his Rolex Daytona 6239 with a white exotic dial. When Italian collectors, pioneers in the vintage watch scene, discovered that Newman owned this uniquely designed Daytona, they developed a deep appreciation for its Art Deco details. As a result, the watch’s legendary status grew. In 2017, the watch worn by Newman was auctioned for a staggering $17.8 million, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate grail among connoisseurs.

 

That was quite the story, now, let’s talk about the watch we have to offer!

 

In our grail collection, we present a Rolex Daytona Reference 6241, featuring a tri-color black “Exotic” dial, housed in a beautiful case with an early acrylic/bakelite bezel in excellent condition. Produced for just three years, from 1966 to 1969, this particular example dates from the later part of that limited production run. It is fitted with the correct Valjoux 722 movement. The star of this piece is undoubtedly the dial, with perfectly preserved sub-registers, intact lume plots, and a rich black centre dial. We can’t emphasize enough how crucial the condition and cleanness of the dial is. It’s what elevates a rare watch to a truly collectible, outstanding example. This 6241 ticks all the boxes.

 

The watch is paired with a solid Oyster-style bracelet, reference 78360, featuring end links stamped 571 and a clasp stamped V1. Moreover, it comes with impressive provenance, documented by an extensive history of paperwork including multiple service invoices, letter correspondence and Rolex service validating the Exotic dial. 

 

• Service card from 1981 issued by Fred Paris. 

• Rolex service invoice from 1992, issued by Fred Paris in France.

• Rolex service receipt from 2001 with coveted letter correspondence in French between owner and service centre. 

• Rolex service card and invoice from 2014, validating the dial as "Exotic"

• Rolex service invoice from 2022, at Diemen service centre "The Netherlands"
  

• A 2002 insurance valuation valued at £28,000.

Due to its exceptional condition and rarity, we have decided not to service the watch at this time, as it was recently serviced by Rolex. Instead, it has been checked by our watchmaker to ensure it remains in fine working and pristine order. 

 

At Bulang and Sons, we celebrate these legendary hand-wound Daytonas with a curated selection of three more exceptional examples, including a Reference 6262 with a Paul Newman dial, a stunning “Big Red” 6263, and the rare Reference 6240 with a black dial.

 

When it comes to iconic watches, it doesn't get more iconic than a pump-pusher Newman. We are proud to offer another staggering example in pristine example with rich provenance. Reach out to our private sales department to further inquire about this specific example. 

 

Specification

 

• Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241

• 36mm steel case with plexi glass

• Serial 176xxxx dating to 1968

• Pump pushers and 6mm winding crown

• Black Tri-color “Paul Newman / Exotic” dial

• Bakelite tachymeter bezel

• Rolex Oyster 78360 with end links 271

• Manual wound cal. 722 based on a valjoux 72 caliber

• Fully checked by our watchmaker

• 1 year mechanical warranty

• 4 Rolex service papers/ invoices , ranging from 1986 till 2022.

• 2002 valuation for insurance purpose

• Fully insured delivery