Rolex Ref. 6239 in stainless steel with ‘Small’ Daytona

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Small Daytona"
Reference 6239 — Stainless Steel

Year: Circa 1964
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 36.5 mm
Case Number: 1'048'952
Movement: Caliber Valjoux 72B — Manual winding, 17 jewels, 18,000 vph, 48-hour power reserve
Dial: Black with three silver chronograph subdials; "Small Daytona" variant with smaller "Daytona" script below "Rolex Cosmograph"
Bezel: Stainless steel with black tachymeter scale
Crystal: Acrylic
Water Resistance: Screw-down caseback and crown
Bracelet: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp; bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm

Scope of Delivery:

• Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6239 (Case 1'048'952)
• Original Rolex presentation box and outer packaging
• No papers

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Stainless steel case with honest wear consistent with age; original black dial with strong patina and intact luminous markers; all three subdials functioning correctly; movement in working order; Jubilee bracelet with moderate stretch typical of period.

Historical Significance: The Reference 6239, introduced in 1963, represents the first official "Daytona" reference and the birth of Rolex's legendary motorsport chronograph collection. This example features the highly collectible "Small Daytona" dial variant, where the "Daytona" script is notably smaller than the "Rolex Cosmograph" text above it—a detail cherished by serious collectors. The 6239 was the first Rolex chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel (rather than the dial) and the signature contrasting subdials. Fitted on the rare and desirable Jubilee bracelet configuration, this 1964 example predates the later Oyster bracelet standard and represents the earliest era of Daytona production.

Rarity: Early 6239 references from 1963-1965 are exceptionally scarce, with the "Small Daytona" dial variant commanding significant premiums. Jubilee bracelet examples are far less common than Oyster configurations, adding further collectibility.

Authentication: inspected by our team of watch specialists. Case, dial, and movement correctly signed. Complete provenance available.

Provenance: Sothebys's New York