I don’t write about the Daytona often.
As many of you know I prefer the pre-daytona and earlier Rolex chronographs from the 1940s like the black dial 2508. There is, however, one Rolex Daytona that I do like and would not even mind owning myself: it is a 6239 Daytona double swiss.
For me the 1960s Rolex Daytona 6239 double swiss is interesting for many reasons. 1) it is rare 2) it is relatively complicated to get right 3) it is an early Rolex daytona and still ‘pure’ with the steel bezel. For me it is a design masterpiece, very harmonious in color and layout too. This would change with later generation Daytona, like the 6241, with plastic/bakelite non-steel bezel insert.
(Credit: Koller auctions).
This Thursday, the 29th of June, a small Swiss auction house called Koller auctions is auctioning a rare Double Swiss Daytona 6239. There are a few reasons why collectors should pay attention.
First the watch seems all correct. Let’s list a few things to look out for in the 6239 Double Swiss.
They are 1) correct hands – thinner in form and longer than normal – the hour hand should almost touch the hour markers- as this example does. 2) Bezel marked to 275 and 300. 3) Correct serial number range 923 xxx. 4) Correct case back of 6238 as it was an early 6239 and Rolex took case backs from the predaytona 6238. 5) Double Swiss signature at six o’clock – the lower Swiss writing in small print than the one above.
The watch at Koller auctions seems to be a fine example. What is pleasing is the original lume the watch appears to have. It is a warm brown tone (see picture below) and contrasts superbly with the dark dial of the watch. Let us look at the dial more closely.
(Credit: Koller auctions).
The case of the watch seems strong with sharp angles and extremely clear serial numbers engraved between the case. See below.
(Credit: Koller auctions).
The other side of the watch with the model number 6239 and registered design- superbly legible and untouched.
The estimate of the watch is CHF 25’000 to CHF 50’000 and the watch should exceed the high estimate. However one thing collectors should keep in mind is that this 6239 double swiss is not the most collectible of all double swiss. That belongs to the underline double swiss.
And two recent underline double swiss sold for CHF 105’000 at Christies and CHF 118’000 at Phillips just recently this year. Just for comparison purposes, a normal 6239 early Daytona just sold for CHF 43’000 at Phillips. That is what a difference an underline and double swiss can add to a watch which, keep in mind also this normal 6239 was made 2-3 years later (serial 1’417′ xxx).
So, if we are in an efficient market for Daytona (despite the exciting find of the personal watch of Paul Newman) this 6239 double swiss should end up selling somewhere between CHF 45’000 and 90’000 including BP (buyers premium).
For the full listing of the watch please see details here.
Look at the very clean movement Cal 72 B Valjoux of the 6239 selling at Kollers auction house this thursday. Notice the also correct case back of 6238.
(Credit: Koller auctions).
