Rolex Daytona

About this reference

The Rolex Daytona reference 6241 in 18k yellow gold was produced between approximately 1965 and 1969. This reference is distinguished by its black acrylic tachymeter bezel and non-oyster, pump-style chronograph pushers. It houses the manual-wind Valjoux 722 or 722-1 caliber movement. Collectors prioritize this reference due to its limited production run; while roughly 3,000 units of the 6241 were manufactured across all metals, only an estimated 300 to 400 were executed in 18k yellow gold. Current secondary market valuations typically fall within the mid-to-high six-figure range, depending on condition and dial configuration. A notable variant is the "Paul Newman" John Player Special (JPS) dial, characterized by a black background with gold sub-dials. In 2023, a high-condition 18k yellow gold 6241 JPS achieved an auction price exceeding $2.5 million, reflecting the rarity of the gold case paired with the exotic dial.