Rolex Daytona 'John Player Special' reference 6241
Nov 01, 2024
Rolex Daytona 'John Player Special' Ref. 6241 — The Holy Grail of Vintage Daytonas
Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241 'John Player Special' — 14K yellow gold, 1969
Rolex is a brand known for its timeless elegance and precision. Among all vintage Daytonas, the 'John Player Special' reference 6241 stands apart — a watch so rare, so visually striking, and so historically significant that it has become the definitive Holy Grail for serious Rolex collectors. In October 2024, one example sold at auction for over $1,000,000.
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Watch Specifications
- Brand: Rolex
- Model: Cosmograph Daytona
- Reference: 6241
- Year: 1969
- Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold
- Bracelet: Yellow Gold Jubilee
- Movement: Manual-Wind Valjoux 72 Chronograph
- Caliber: 722
- Case Number: 2112898
- Case Size: 37mm
- Signed: Dial, Movement, and Case
- Auction Result: Over $1,000,000 (October 2024)
What Makes the 'John Player Special' So Significant?
The iconic black dial with gold Paul Newman sub-registers — the hallmark of the JPS
The Rolex Daytona reference 6241 was produced from 1965 to 1969 — a short four-year run. Across all metals (stainless steel, 18K yellow gold, and 14K yellow gold), only approximately 3,000 examples were made. Of these, the 14K yellow gold variants are exceptionally scarce, with fewer than 300 examples produced — primarily for the American market, where 14K gold was preferred to reduce import taxes.
The 'John Player Special' nickname refers to the watch's striking black dial with gold chronograph sub-registers — a color scheme that mirrors the iconic black and gold livery of the John Player Special Lotus Formula 1 team, sponsored by John Player & Sons from 1972. The visual connection to one of motorsport's most celebrated eras makes this Daytona uniquely compelling to both watch and racing enthusiasts.
The Paul Newman Dial Connection
Paul Newman dial detail — the exotic sub-register design that defines the JPS
The reference 6241 is known for its distinctive dial variations, including black, white, and the highly prized Paul Newman dials — featuring exotic sub-register designs in three-color, two-color, Panda, and champagne configurations. The 'John Player Special' Paul Newman in 14K yellow gold is the rarest intersection of these variables: the exotic dial, the gold case, and the motorsport color story all in one watch. It is widely considered one of the most desirable configurations in the entire Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection.
The Movement — Valjoux 72
The reference 6241 is powered by the Valjoux 72 — a column wheel, manual-wind chronograph movement widely regarded as one of the finest ever produced. Its smooth operation, precise column wheel control, and lateral clutch design made it the preferred caliber for Rolex, Heuer, and Patek Philippe during this era. In the Daytona 6241, it is designated Caliber 722 (Rolex-modified). See our full Valjoux 72 Movement Guide for complete technical details.
37mm 14K gold case — the screw-down pushers and acrylic bezel define the ref. 6241
Rarity, Condition & Auction Record
Full frontal — the JPS in exceptional preserved condition
The example that sold in October 2024 for over $1,000,000 features a sharp hallmark on the back of the lug — attesting to its remarkable preservation — and is fitted with a gold Jubilee bracelet. The 14K gold configuration, combined with the Paul Newman dial and the JPS color story, makes this one of the rarest and most historically significant Daytonas in existence.
Dial side detail — signed dial, movement, and case
The Formula 1 Connection
The black and gold JPS Lotus F1 livery — the inspiration behind the Daytona nickname
The 'John Player Special' name derives from John Player & Sons' sponsorship of the Lotus Formula One team beginning in 1972. The team's cars — finished in black and gold to match the cigarette brand's livery — became among the most iconic in motorsport history. The Daytona's black dial with gold registers mirrors this color scheme exactly, creating a cultural connection that transcends horology and speaks to an entire era of racing history.
The Daytona ref. 6241 alongside the JPS Lotus — two icons of the same era
Some information provided by Monaco Legend Group, 13 bld Princesse Charlotte, Monaco 98000.
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