Exceptionally rare Rolex Daytona 6239 Paul Newman

Serial No. 1781940 | Year of production 1968 | No original box | No original papers

The Rolex Daytona needs no introduction—it’s arguably the most famous sports watch ever created. The iconic collection debuted in 1963 with reference 6239, which replaced the earlier 6238. In a bold and innovative design shift, Rolex moved the tachymeter scale from the dial to the bezel, a defining feature that continues to this day.

To gauge market preferences, Rolex experimented with different dial configurations. Alongside the standard silver and black dials, they introduced a rarer variation known as the “exotic” dial. Characterized by a layered construction with recessed sub-dials and an outer chapter ring, this design initially failed to gain traction among collectors. In fact, estimates suggest that for every 20 Daytonas with a standard dial sold, only one “exotic” dial version found a buyer. However, everything changed when legendary actor and race car driver Paul Newman was seen wearing one. His association with the watch elevated its status, transforming it into one of the most coveted Rolex models of all time.

Good condition. No original box, no original papers.