The Rolex Daytona 6240, a cornerstone of watch collecting history, continues to fascinate and command impressive prices in the secondary market. This article delves into the financial performance and current market value of this iconic chronograph, exploring sales data, auction results, and the factors contributing to its enduring desirability. We'll examine the complexities of pricing, highlighting the impact of condition, provenance, and specific variations within the 6240 reference number. While finding a "low price" is relative and dependent on market fluctuations, we will explore the landscape of available 6240s and the factors that influence their cost.
Rolex Daytona 6240: A Collector's Grail
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6240, produced from approximately 1963 to 1969, represents a pivotal period in the Daytona's evolution. Preceding the more widely known 6263 and 6265 models, the 6240 boasts a distinct aesthetic and features that make it highly sought after by collectors. Key characteristics include its elegant, understated design, the use of a Valjoux 72 movement, and the absence of the later-added pushers and crown guards. These subtle differences, combined with its limited production run, contribute significantly to its value.
The 6240's relatively smaller size compared to later Daytonas also adds to its appeal. Its unassuming presence belies the powerful history and craftsmanship contained within. The watch's history is intrinsically linked to the burgeoning popularity of motorsport and the rise of professional racing in the 1960s, making it a symbol of a specific era and a piece of automotive history itself.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6240 Auction Results: A Volatile Market
Analyzing auction results for the Rolex Daytona 6240 reveals a complex and often volatile market. Prices vary dramatically based on a number of interconnected factors:
* Condition: The condition of the watch is arguably the most significant factor determining its value. An unrestored, original example in exceptional condition, with its original dial and hands, commands significantly higher prices than a watch requiring servicing or restoration. Minor imperfections, such as scratches on the case or slight discoloration on the dial, can significantly impact the final sale price.
* Provenance: A documented history adds immense value. Knowing the previous owners, any notable events associated with the watch, and the existence of original documentation (such as the original sales receipt or warranty papers) greatly enhances its desirability and price. Celebrity ownership or links to significant historical events can push prices to extraordinary levels.
* Dial Variations: Subtle variations in the dial, such as the color, font style, and the presence or absence of specific markings, can significantly affect the price. Certain dial configurations are considered more desirable and rarer than others, leading to price discrepancies between seemingly similar watches. The presence of a "Paul Newman" style dial, though not technically accurate for the 6240, can still influence pricing if the dial is considered genuine and original to the watch.
* Case Variations: Differences in case materials, finishes, and hallmarks can also influence the price. Minor variations in the case construction, while often subtle, are carefully examined by collectors and experts, impacting the final value.
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