Rolex Daytona “The Neanderthal” at Phillips

01

Rolex Daytona "The Neanderthal"

Photo: Courtesy Phillips

Known as “The Neanderthal” for its “pre-Paul Newman” dial style, the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 sold for $3,010,260 in the Phillips Daytona Ultimatum sale. It is unique due to its particular dial configuration, including the color combination, the oversized subsidiary dials that nearly touch the outer white seconds track, the black outer seconds marks, and the omission of any Cosmograph or Oyster designation. Made in 1966, it was the first Cosmograph model equipped with screw-down chronograph pushers. The visible patina on the brass pushers adds to its authenticity.