Rolex introduced the 6239 in 1963 with pump pushers and a metal tachymeter bezel—the first reference to move the tachymeter scale off the dial for maximum legibility. Standard 'exotic' dial 6239s wear the block-font 'Daytona' script; the 'Paul Newman' variants share the case but wear an art-deco font, stepped sub-registers with contrasting outer track, and crosshair markers. Because collectors chase the exotic dials to the exclusion of the standard ones, honest 6239s with original 'Millerighe' pushers, correct T Swiss T dials, and unpolished cases quietly appreciate. Provenance and matching cal. 72 movement serials are non-negotiable at this level.
← The Rolex Directory
Reference
6239
Cosmograph Daytona
1963–1969
The first Cosmograph, and the reference that gave the world 'Paul Newman.'
- Case
- 37mm
- Caliber
- Valjoux 72
- Years
- 1963–1969
What to watch for
Redialed Paul Newmans (the most heavily faked watch in horology), replaced pushers, refinished cases with softened lug edges.