Auto racing is one of those things that appeals to a very wide range of people. Famous actors and musicians have participated in races from Marty Robbins to Steve McQueen. That’s not it, though. If you want to watch futuristic, high-tech racing; that’s available. If you want to watch ordinary cars, stock car racing is available, too. People who enjoy auto racing really, really enjoy it. Rolex has been involved with auto racing from the sport’s infancy, and the Rolex Daytona is a legendary chronograph watch that's closely associated with the world of motorsports.
It didn’t take long for Rolex to get involved with auto racing. Rolex began experimenting with chronographs in the 1920s and became associated with racing in the 1930s. The "pre-Daytona" models from the 1950s laid the foundation for the Daytona's design. In 1962, Rolex became the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in Florida and in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was released to the public.
The Cosmograph Daytona was released in 1963 but the name Daytona didn't appear on the dial until 1965. The watch was originally called the Cosmograph and that was it. The reference 6239 used inverted colors for the chronograph registers and had the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel. Actor and racecar driver Paul Newman was gifted a Rolex Daytona 6239 by his wife, Joanne Woodward, after his 1965 accident.
That sealed the deal.
Everyone wanted a Daytona once Paul Newman had one. In fact, the actual Paul Newman Daytona sold for more than any watch in history. There are some who refer to the ref 6239 as the Paul Newman. That’s no surprise at all.
Are you looking for a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego? Drop by our La Jolla showroom, and we can talk. I love helping customers with the perfect timepiece for them. So give me a call or just come by. You’ll be glad you did.
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