For many collectors, Rolex chronographs are typically divided into two categories: Daytonas and the rest. While Rolex has been crafting chronographs since the 1930s, it wasn’t until 1963 that the line was properly categorized and given a name — and Daytona wasn’t the first choice.

The initial concept for this racing-inspired timepiece was actually called the Rolex LeMans. If you look into early advertisements, you’ll find that what we now know as the true Mark I Daytona was originally marketed as the LeMans. However, the name never really caught on. As Rolex pushed further into the American market and secured official sponsorship of the 24 Hours of Daytona race, the reference 6239 Cosmograph was eventually renamed the Daytona.

At hand, we have just that — an earlier example of the reference 6239. This particular piece features the iconic "Panda" dial, where the silver soleil-finished dial is complemented by black subdials, evoking the look of a panda bear’s face! The case retains its distinctive shape, still thick in the right places, and is topped off by the earlier bezel version with a tachymeter scale that runs from 300-250-225 (later versions go from 200-190-180, and the placement of "units per hour" is different). It also features the lovely "pump-style" pushers.

The iconic silver dial is in wonderful condition, without major defects or discoloration. The Oyster bracelet, reference 78350, is in nice shape and comes with endlinks marked 571 and a clasp stamped 'n11.'

The manual-wound caliber 722 (based on the legendary Valjoux 72 movement) has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

The demand for later references of hand-wound Daytonas has been steadily increasing for years, and we believe these early pump-pusher references are equally remarkable — and perhaps a bit undervalued at the moment. We highly recommend considering these iconic pieces !

Specifications:

Rolex Reference 6239 “Daytona”
37mm steel case
Serial 14xxxxx dating to 1966
Early steel tachymeter bezel “300-250-225”.
Silver soleil finshed “Panda” dial
Pump style Pushers
Hand wound movement cal 722
Oyster bracelet reference 78350 with 571 endlinks
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Panda Dial

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Panda Dial

Before/after