Pre-Owned Rolex Daytona 40921090/AS05473

WHY WE LOVE IT

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Given the attention on sports watches these days, when most people think of the Rolex Daytona, contemporary models are likely what come to mind first.

Be it a stainless steel model with a ceramic bezel, a full precious metal piece with a striking dial color, or even the recent Zenith-powered or in-house models with steel bezels, Rolex's range-topping chronograph are amongst the hottest watches on the planet.

But if you peer back a just few years - before contemporary watches were all the rage and very much in the spotlight, it was the vintage pieces that captured the imaginations and attention of the experienced enthusiast.

Following the production of the Reference 6238 'Pre-Daytona' chronographs, Rolex introduced the first to models to bear "Daytona" nomenclature on their dials - the model offered here, a Reference 6239. Introduced in 1963, these lovely pieces were also the first to feature a tachymeter bezel and a contrasting dial and sub register layout that has become a coveted characteristic of Daytonas and many a lookalike since.

This particular Reference 6239 is an early example dating to circa 1964 and features a reverse panda Tritium dial, a domed acrylic crystal, steel tachymeter bezel, signed crown, pumper-pushers and a later solid-link Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp. The venerable Valjoux 72 hand-cranking movement provides power, as it did for its immediate predecessor and every other Daytona model - including the legendary 'Paul Newman Daytona' until the introduction of the Reference 16520 in 1989.

This example offers a superb dial and bezel assembly and shows signs of light professional case refinishing with only moderate wear throughout. It is a stunning configuration and an excellent example of an early, collectable and always-fashionable Daytona.

Public attention might be focused on its younger siblings for the time being - but in our minds, there is no substitute for the original!

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in excellent condition showing signs of light professional refinishing and light signs of wear from gentle use. Matte black Tritium dial with silver radial subsidiary registers is in very good condition with light patination to the sub registers and deep patina to the luminous elements with matching handset. Signed crown.