There are rarely second chances in the world of ultra-rare vintage Rolex Daytonas; but every now and then, one appears.

I first laid eyes on this extraordinary reference 6241 in 2021. During the preview weekend of the Christie’s auction, I immediately fell for it. Unfortunately, I came up short at the sale and assumed that was the end of the story. Until, as fate would have it, my French friend and Daytona connoisseur Teddy acquired the watch. Nearly five years after that initial encounter, I was finally reunited with this spectacular Cosmograph.

As we all know, vintage Daytonas from the four-digit reference era are highly collectible. Gold examples, however, are considerably rarer; especially those crafted in 14k yellow gold rather than the more common 18k. These 14k cases were produced specifically for the U.S. market to reduce import duties. This particular watch’s journey from Switzerland to the United States is further confirmed by the “ROW” engraving on the movement.

Among 14k yellow gold Daytonas, the reference 6241 stands as one of the rarest. It houses the Valjoux 722 movement and features pump pushers paired with an acrylic bezel. I generally enjoy black-bezel Daytonas best with matching black sub-dials; and this example offers something extra: sub-dials with white graphics instead of the more typical gold printing. This detail -also seen on the elusive “Lemon Dial” Daytonas- adds a striking vibrancy against the matte, ridged dial surface.

The dial itself is particularly captivating, with a shimmering tone that leans more toward copper than traditional champagne. The oversized “Daytona” signature beneath “Rolex Cosmograph” has earned this configuration the nickname “Big Daytona.” This exact dial layout has appeared at auction only two other times (excluding this Christie’s example), with all clustered closely within the 1.53 million serial range.

Arguably, this is the finest of the three. The case remains exceptionally well preserved, the dial retains all its original tritium plots (with only a slightly smaller marker at 3 o’clock), and the bracelet remains strong; no small feat for a watch over half a century old. Moreover, it still retains its original hands, pushers, bezel, and crown.

So do not make the same mistake as I did in 2021. You might not be able to get a second chance. Optionally we can deliver it with a period correct 14K Jubilee "Coffee bean" bracelet as well.