For many collectors, Rolex chronographs are often divided into two categories: Daytonas and everything else. While Rolex began crafting chronographs in the 1930s, it wasn’t until 1963 that the line earned its official name—and interestingly, Daytona wasn’t the first choice.

The initial concept for this racing-inspired timepiece was marketed as the Rolex LeMans, as seen in early advertisements. However, the name didn’t quite resonate. As Rolex expanded further into the American market and became the official sponsor of the 24 Hours of Daytona race, the reference 6239 Cosmograph was rebranded as the Daytona.

Here, we have a stunning example of this early reference. The watch features the iconic "Panda" dial, where the silver soleil-finished dial is contrasted by black subdials, reminiscent of a panda’s face. The steel case retains its original sharp proportions and is paired with an early tachymeter bezel, marked "300-250-225," a distinctive feature compared to later versions. Completing the look are the charming pump-style pushers.

The silver dial is in exceptional condition, with no major defects or discoloration. The watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, reference 78350, with endlinks stamped 571 and a clasp marked 'n11.'

Inside beats the manual-wound caliber 722 movement, based on the legendary Valjoux 72, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

As the demand for later hand-wound Daytona references continues to rise, these early pump-pusher references stand out as remarkable—and perhaps undervalued—opportunities for collectors. Let us help you add this timeless icon to your collection!

Specifications:

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

Rolex Daytona Panda Dial Ref. 6239

Rolex Daytona Panda Dial Ref. 6239

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