Our remarks

ROLEX VINTAGE DAYTONA COSMOGRAPH “PAUL NEWMAN – JOHN PLAYER SPECIAL” – Ref. 6239 – 18k Yellow Gold – 18k Gold Bracelet – 1968 – Box — Extremely Rare

We are proud to present this exceptionally rare ROLEX DAYTONA COSMOGRAPH Ref. 6239 “Paul Newman – John Player Special”, crafted in 18k yellow gold and fitted with a matching 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet.

This is one of the most elusive and visually striking executions of the legendary Daytona — the John Player Special Paul Newman, named after the iconic black-and-gold Formula 1 livery of the late 1960s. Among vintage Rolex chronographs, this configuration stands at the absolute pinnacle of desirability and rarity.

The Ref. 6239 marks the very beginning of the Daytona legacy and was the first reference to feature the “Daytona” designation on the dial. The Paul Newman “John Player Special” dial, distinguished by its dramatic black base, gold accents, contrasting sub-dials, and Art Deco numerals, represents one of the rarest dial variants ever produced by Rolex. 

When paired with a solid 18k yellow gold case and bracelet, the result is a watch of extraordinary presence and historical significance.

Gold Paul Newman Daytonas are already exceptionally scarce; examples from 1968, preserved with correct period details and such a striking dial configuration, are virtually unobtainable.

Key Features:

-18k yellow gold case, approx. 37mm, with pump pushers and engraved tachymeter bezel

- Rare very good “John Player Special” Paul Newman exotic dia

- Original green board box

- Manual-winding Valjoux 72 chronograph movement, Rolex Cal. 722

- Original 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet, correct for the period

- Correct gold crown and pushers

- Production year: 1968 

The combination of the rich yellow gold case and bracelet with the bold black-and-gold Paul Newman dial creates a powerful aesthetic that is both luxurious and unmistakably sporty. This example displays strong vintage character, well-defined case proportions, and an authentic, untouched dial that embodies the essence of serious Rolex collecting.

“The John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona is a unicorn among unicorns — a watch that perfectly captures the golden era of motorsport, luxury, and Rolex innovation.”

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the most important and rare vintage Daytona references ever produced!

Serious inquiries only.