Rolex Daytona 6239: A Watch That Earns Its Grail Status

Having spent decades immersed in the vintage watch world, I’ve seen trends come and go, but very few pieces have the lasting allure and substance of the Rolex Daytona 6239. Released in 1963, this was the first Daytona model to bear the now-legendary name, and it laid the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated chronograph lines in watchmaking history.

The 6239 wasn’t an overnight sensation—back then, it was one of the more modestly priced Rolex chronographs on the market. But over the years, it grew into a true icon, thanks to a combination of clever design, proper engineering, and a cultural pull that very few watches can match.

The Daytona 6239 marked a real turning point for Rolex chronographs. Before this, tachymeter scales—used to measure speed—were printed on the dial itself, which could make things look a bit busy. Rolex changed that with the 6239 by engraving the tachymeter onto the metal bezel instead. It was a simple move, but it made the dial far cleaner and gave the watch a more purposeful, sporty look.

Another big step forward was adding the word “DAYTONA” to the dial. Early on, it showed up in black or white print under the 12 o’clock marker, depending on the dial colour, before shifting down to sit above the 6 o'clock sub-dial. This was all tied to Rolex becoming the official timekeeper for the Daytona International Speedway, which really kicked off the watch’s connection to motorsport.

The red Daytona print started showing up in the mid-1960s on steel models fitted with what we now call the Paul Newman dial, and that carried through until the 1980s. That’s when Rolex moved away from manual-wind movements and switched to the five-digit Daytona series using the self-winding Zenith El Primero as a base.

Inside the 37mm stainless steel case beats the manual-winding Valjoux 72—a movement that’s rightly earned legendary status. It’s solid, accurate, and brilliantly made. I’ve worked on more chronographs than I care to count over the years, and I’d still rate the Valjoux 72 as one of the best. It’s proper watchmaking, plain and simple—and one of the reasons why this reference still gets collectors excited.

You can’t talk about the 6239 without mentioning Paul Newman—the actor, racing driver, and all-round style icon. He wore an “exotic” dial version of this reference, with square markers on the sub-dials and a funky Art Deco-style font. Back in the day, they were a bit of a tough sell, but now they’re some of the most in-demand dials on the planet.

When Newman’s own 6239 sold for over $17 million in 2017, it didn’t just break records—it blew the roof off the vintage market. That kind of result turns heads, but let’s be honest: nothing quite that wild has landed with us at Watches of Lancashire. We’ve had our fair share of modern Daytonas, but a vintage gem like this 6239 is a different beast entirely.

Worth pointing out too—Rolex never actually called these “Paul Newman” dials. That name came later, and not every exotic dial out there is the real deal. There are some pretty convincing fakes doing the rounds, so it’s absolutely worth buying through someone who knows their stuff. Trust is everything when you’re dealing with a watch like this.

What makes the 6239 more than just a big-ticket collector’s item? For me, it all comes down to how well it’s been designed for actual use. Rolex didn’t build this to sit in a display case—they made it to be worn and used, especially by racing drivers. The engraved bezel makes timing more intuitive, and the modest case size means it wears brilliantly on the wrist.

And that comfort is something that surprises a lot of people the first time they try one on. It’s a lot lighter and sleeker than the modern Daytona, and the smaller size really plays into current trends. I’ve seen case sizes grow and grow over the years, but that’s definitely reversed now. Small is back in fashion.

Funny how everything comes full circle. The stuff that was bang on in the ‘60s and ‘70s is popping back up again, and plenty of brands are digging through their archives for inspiration. That makes the 6239 even more relevant—it’s a true vintage piece that still suits modern tastes. You can wear this today and it’ll look right at home.

It also marked Rolex’s first proper step into serious sports timing. Before the Daytona, their chronographs were more functional than fashionable, but the 6239 changed all that. It was built for timing laps, measuring speed, and doing it all with a bit of style—and that motorsport spirit still runs through it.

And let’s not forget the emotional pull. There’s just something about owning a Daytona like this. Whether it’s the racing connection, the Paul Newman story, or simply the way it looks—it’s got soul. It’s not just a fancy old watch—it’s a piece of history you can actually wear.

If you’re thinking about picking up a 6239, the main thing is to do your homework. The vintage Rolex market can be tricky, and the details really matter.

• Dial details are everything. Tiny differences in fonts, spacing, or the “Daytona” text can have a big impact on value.
• Keep it original. Watches with later replacement bezels, replacement pushers or overly polished cases that have lost their original lines.
• Paperwork helps. Original box, papers, and a solid service history add a lot of confidence—and value.
• Watch out for fakes. Especially those claiming to have Paul Newman dials. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Working with a specialist like us at Watches of Lancashire can take the stress out of it. We’ve not had a Daytona this old through the shop before, but every watch that comes in is thoroughly checked and properly vetted—no shortcuts.

Too many vintage Daytonas spend their lives in safes, admired but never worn. That’s a shame, because these were built to be used—tracking time, sparking conversations, and picking up stories along the way.

Modern straps are a great way to give your watch a fresh feel without messing with the original bracelet. I’ve seen a lot of collectors bring their Daytonas back to life with a good quality nylon strap—something that’s tough, comfortable, and doesn’t distract from the watch itself.

While I’ve got no official links with WatchGecko, I can happily recommend their straps. They’re well made, nicely finished, and suit vintage watches like the 6239 down to the ground. They have an entire collection of watch straps handpicked for Rolex watches but here are a few I think work a treat for the Daytona:

The Ridge strap is a perfect fit for the Daytona’s mix of ruggedness and refinement. The tight weave nylon is strong and comfortable, while the matte hardware and stitched keepers keep the whole look clean and understated. It lets the dial do the talking—and that’s exactly how it should be.

If you’re after something a touch dressier, the Signature Military Nylon brings a bit of polish. The premium nylon and shiny hardware give it a sleeker edge, without losing that functional feel. It’s a smart option for daily wear.

For a bit more character, the Vintage Bond strap with its black and grey stripes adds a subtle nod to mid-century style. It plays nicely with the monochrome dial of the 6239 and brings a bit of personality without going over the top.

The Rolex Daytona 6239 is more than just a milestone—it’s a watch that still resonates today, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who appreciates a proper bit of design.

It’s timeless, tied to a golden era of racing, and packed with personality. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one—or even just try one on—you’ll see what I mean. Pair it with the right strap, wear it often, and enjoy the fact that you’re keeping a brilliant bit of horological history ticking along.