Tropical 1970 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6262) White "Paul Newman" Dial

In 1970 Rolex introduced a new movement for the pump pusher Cosmograph range and subsequently introduced two new model references as well, the ref. 6262 and 6264. These two new models, which otherwise presented the same aesthetic characteristics as the 6239 and 6241 respectively, featured the brand new Valjoux cal. 727 movement. This new movement operated at a more precise 21,000 beats per minute, an enhancement compared to the 18,000 bpm of the previous cal. 722-1 and 72b movements, and was used throughout the next model range of screw-down pusher Oyster Cosmograph Daytonas until 1987. As a result of this very transitional model run, the Rolex Daytona ref. 6262 is widely accepted as the Daytona with the lowest production numbers, only produced from 1970-1971, with its black acrylic bezel counterpart, the ref. 6264, ceased production only a year later in 1972.

Stock #
RLXDT6262PN-2
Brand Rolex
Style Daytona
Model 6262
Serial 25XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial White / Black "Paul Newman"
Millimeters 36
Bracelet Rolex C+T Oyster-Rivet Bracelet
CASE & BRACELET

The case is in excellent condition, retaining full and symmetrical lugs that show gentle signs of use with signs of minimal polishing in the past. The case retains its original stainless steel "Units Per Hour" bezel that is in impressive condition, retaining a great overall crispness, though it does appear that the black enamel within the numerals was touched up prior to our acquisition. The case retains its original pump pushers and Rolex twin-lock crown. The case back is signed 6239 which is correct and original as Rolex case backs were interchangeable within the Cosmograph range in this era. The Rolex "C+I" Oyster rivet bracelet dates to 1971 which is correct for this watch, and retains 11 links that show very light stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The exotic, rare, and truly beautiful Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" dial features a high-contrast white and black color scheme, with a touch of red for the "Daytona" text, a dial format that is specific to the 6262 and 6241 references. The dial itself is in exceptionally well-preserved condition overall with the outer minute track featuring a deep chocolate brown coloration, though this detail may be subtle, it is notable and extremely desirable among collectors. The only real elements of age present on the dial are some extremely subtle spots of aging located at the edge of where the middle dial meets the outer minute track at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, though this aging is almost invisible to the naked eye. Otherwise, the dial itself is virtually flawless with no damage present. The sub-dials exhibit no notable signs of age and remain deep black in color, which visually amplifies the deep chocolate color of the minute track. The tritium lume plots have achieved a creamy-ivory patina and all remain intact, under UV light inspection the 3 o'clock plot exhibits very nominal degradation with the rest of the lume plots showing no degradation. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The sub-dial and chronograph hands all remain original to the watch.

ACCESSORIES

This watch was previously auctioned by Christie's Auction House in June 2022. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.

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