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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

1968 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241 Paul Newman

Partially verified

This 1968 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6241, features the white exotic dial configuration commonly associated with the "Paul Newman" name. The timepiece is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 36mm in diameter, paired with a Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet featuring 71 end pieces and 12 links. The dial comprises a matte white surface that has developed a cream patina, accented by a stepped black and red outer minute track and three black sub-dials with art-deco numerals. It is equipped with an acrylic bezel, twin-lock crown, and pump-style pushers. The watch is powered by a chronograph movement. The auction description reports the watch is functioning and keeping time, noting that the case has undergone light polishing in the past. No accessories are included with this timepiece.

The 1968 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241, featuring a white exotic Paul Newman dial and acrylic bezel.
The 1968 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241, featuring a white exotic Paul Newman dial and acrylic bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6241
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDTPN6241-68
Source-reported date
1968
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
17XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet Construction

The timepiece is encased in a 36mm stainless steel chassis. The auction description reports the case is in excellent condition, having been lightly polished in the past while retaining well-defined lugs. The assembly includes the original twin-lock crown and pump pushers, along with an acrylic bezel that remains in original condition.

The watch is fitted with a Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet, which includes 71 end pieces and retains 12 links. The auction description reports the bracelet is in wonderful condition, although it exhibits some level of stretch consistent with use.

Evidence for this section
  • “The thick case is in excellent condition and has been lightly polished in the past, showing even lugs with very light signs of use.”
  • “The original acrylic bezel remains in stunning condition, showing almost no signs of use.”
  • “The Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet with 71 end pieces is in wonderful condition, retaining 12 links and showing some stretch.”

Dial and Hands Configuration

The watch features a white exotic-style dial, often referred to as the "Paul Newman" configuration. The matte white base has aged to a cream color, with the black and red stepped outer minute track remaining intact. The three inner sub-dials are distinguished by art-deco style numerals.

The luminescent plots consist of original tritium, which the auction description reports have developed a creamy yellow patina. Under ultraviolet light inspection, these plots are documented as full and round with no degradation. The hands are original to the piece and also feature tritium, matching the dial's appearance.

Evidence for this section
  • “The matte white portion of the dial has achieved an excellent cream coloration, showing only very light signs of aging.”
  • “The inner sub-dials with art deco numerals remain in clean and original condition.”
  • “The original tritium lume plots have taken on a lovely creamy yellow patina, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots are full and round, showing no degradation.”

Documentation and Mechanics

The watch is identified by the reference 6241 and carries the serial number 17XXXXX. According to the auction description, the case back is stamped with the reference number 6241.

Regarding the mechanical state, the auction description reports that the watch is functioning and keeping time. It is noted that the previous service history for this timepiece is unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case back is stamped 6241.”
  • “Watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the complete, non-redacted serial number for this timepiece?
  • What is the specific movement caliber installed in this 1968 reference 6241?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1968 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241 Paul Newman
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference6241“Model 6241”
Year1968“1968 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6241)”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
BraceletRolex Oyster rivet bracelet with 71 end pieces“Strap Rolex Oyster Rivet Bracelet W/ 71 End Pieces”
Serial Number17XXXXX“Serial 17XXXXX”
ConditionLightly polished case, functioning“The thick case is in excellent condition and has been lightly polished in the past”
DialWhite Exotic "Paul Newman"“Dial White Exotic "Paul Newman”

Visible details

  • Stepped black and red outer minute track on the dial
  • Art deco numerals on the sub-dials
  • Acrylic bezel with tachymetric scale
  • Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet with 71 end pieces

Research qualifications

  • Previous service history unknown
  • Exact serial number partially redacted in source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.