About The Rolex Daytona “Solo” Dial, Swiss Replica Rolexes

The evolution of the Rolex Daytona is an enduring hot topic. However, some mysteries, such as the so-called “Solo” dial-Daytona watch, are still not thorough enough or even unknown. Only the word “Rolex” is printed on the dial, and there is no “Cosmograph.” (Cosmograph), there is no “Oyster” (Oyster), and there is no “Daytona” (Daytona). So, where did the “Solo” dial come from, and for what model was it designed?

“RCO” Daytona is the best example of the evolution of the Daytona dial.

The world of Daytona is filled with many “missing link” transitional dials that share some characteristics of a recognized dial model, while others are taken from other dial models. There are “Swiss” dials, there are “Swiss+Underscore” dials, and there are “T-Swiss-T” dials, all within a small range of serial numbers. There are several different models of antique Daytona watches today, from the standard 6239 and 6263 to the rare 6264 and 6240. 6240 is the most interesting.

Serial number: No.923xxx, equipped with “Swiss+underscore” dial

Serial number: No.1,04x,xxx, with “T-Swiss-T” dial (no underline)

6240, why?

I still think that the early 6239 “Swiss” dial watches are the most fascinating branch of the Daytona family. They were still called “LeMans” at that time. It still needs to be clear what concept this series will be built around. When it comes to single models, the 6240 is a better example. With its screw-down pushers and black bezel, the 6240 set the tone for the Daytona we know today. In addition, the 6240 is also the original “Oyster” Daytona, which is significant because waterproofing symbolizes the quality Rolex advertises. Serial numbers range from No.1,2xx, xxx to No.1,6xx, xxx. 6240 is equipped with various dials. Most of the common ones do not have the words “Oyster” and “Daytona” but “T-Swiss-T” at 6 o’clock. Here are the two most commonly recognized watch face types:

6240 “BigDaytona”

6240 “SmallDaytona”

Referring to the above, we can see some evolution of the Daytona dial – 6240RCO. Currently, less than ten examples are known to exist. Whenever it appears at auction, it consistently achieves excellent results. There are also some “RCO” 6240 dials decorated with “T-Swiss-T” or “Sigma” logos on the bottom, but in comparison, they are not as universally recognized. If you want to pursue the pure 6240, the above two dials are the way to go. Of course, this does not mean 6240 is wrong with an “RCO” style dial, but I think matching a non-Oyster dial with an early screw-down watch makes more sense.

In May 2016, a 6240 “RCO” watch sold for 281,000 Swiss francs at Phillips.

All full-spec 6240s should come with an MK1 bezel and MK0 brass pushers (pictured below), but most still need one of these features. I think there is no point in buying a 6240 with no defining characteristics—there is no MK0 button, and I have little personal interest in it.

6240 with a rare “Solo” dial

How much do you know about the “Solo” dial?

In the (often) not-so-transparent world of vintage Rolex collecting, the accuracy of the dial 6240 is about as vague as you can imagine. Hence, the 6240 “Solo” watch and its reputation. Study and discuss. So far, we’ve seen dials in various shapes, with or without different text, which is particularly evident on Daytonas from the early 1960s. The most streamlined and rarest of all Daytona dials is the “Solo” dial – nothing else but “Rolex.” As with any vintage Rolex, the company neither confirms nor denies the dial’s origin. In other words, the earliest 6240 may have been born with this dial. The serial numbers of 6240 “Solo” watches currently accepted on the market range from No.1,2xx, xxx to No.1,4xx, xxx. They constantly pop up occasionally, but few people take them seriously. Swiss replica rolexes.

In May 2015, a 6240 “Solo” watch sold for 245,000 Swiss francs at Phillips.

In May 2015, a 6240 “Solo” watch sold for 245,000 Swiss francs at the Phillips Geneva auction. This auction’s success solidified the concept of the 6240 “Solo.” After that, the market chased these watches, and we started seeing more of them at auctions and elsewhere.

But does the 6240 “Solo” watch make sense? For some people, yes; for others, not. Many dealers and fashionistas believe the “Solo” dial was initially used for the after-sales service 6238. However, I don’t think so. Why was the single-color dial (6238) with a tachymeter scale printed on it replaced by a two-color dial (“Solo”) without a tachymeter scale? Meaningless. Replica watches review.

6239 was equipped with a “Solo” dial

I believe the “Solo” dial was initially used on the 6239. I don’t think it; I know it because a Rolex advertisement proves it. The ad depicts the details of the watch, Rolex Daytona chronograph, stainless steel Oyster case, 17 gems, black and white dial, timing accuracy up to 1/5 second, and stainless steel bracelet, priced at only $210, including tax. In December 2015, an early 6239 “Solo” watch was sold at Phillips Hong Kong auction. Equipped with a replacement bezel and hands, this watch attracted little attention, selling for less than $100,000.

In December 2015, an early 6239 “Solo” watch sold for US$96,727 at the Phillips Hong Kong auction.

Paul Newman told us that the Pump button watch with a unique dial is less sexy than the Oyster Daytona with a distinctive dial. So, it is possible that, at some point, the dealer came up with the idea of fitting the “Solo” dial into the 6240 case. 6240 “Solo” is more charming than 6239 “Solo”. But please don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that the 6240 “Solo” watch is not original; this is important. We must remember how Rolex operated back then and how production and assembly on a linear assembly line were unregulated. During the assembly process, if there is such a dial and the watchmaker happens to need it, then everything will fall into place, but these are all guesses, and we cannot say for sure.

As mentioned above, the 6240 is indeed a fascinating watch and is one of the most essential watch models in the history of Rolex. The 6240 “Solo” watch on the market is just a nuanced and insignificant corner of the antique Daytona world compared to the grand whole. I look forward to learning more about the 6240 “Solo” watches in the future and hope that more and more people will know about their existence as time passes. So, the question is, based on current understanding, comparing the two, would you buy the 6240 “Solo” watch instead of Paul Newman? It’s an exciting and more understated choice, but until we conclude that the 6240 “Solo” watch is an original Rolex, is it too risky to choose the former?