Lot 159 vs The DW

[freddy333]

While test-fitting my collection of gen & aftermarket Tropic 21 crystals on the 6241 Newman Daytona looking for the best match, I was amazed to find that the flat, beveled gen crystal gave the watch a rich, jewel-like appearance that none of the other crystals (including a rounded gen T21) could match. Although I tend to prefer rounded crystals on most vintage sport Rolexes, this watch quite literally snaps into focus & exudes a whole new presence when capped with this particular crystal (unfortunately, the photo does not begin to capture the synergy of this crystal/watch combination seen live)

Curiously, I located a similar 6241 on Antiquorum that is fitted with the same crystal and, by sheer happenstance, the perspective in the Antiquorum photo & mine are nearly the same. So I thought a comparison of Lot 159 vs my DW 6241 would be insightful (pay particular attention to the images of the numbers from the left side of the running seconds subdial that are being refracted in the bevel of the crystal (at about 82 in the tachymeter))

Overall, it is quite striking how very similar in appearance these two watches are.

I should also mention that I took the watch out for a test drive to a popular upscale restaurant & bar last evening (I am still fine-tuning its timing). The wait for a table was so long that we decided to eat at the bar, which was filled to capacity with lots of Rolex-wearing yuppie types (myself included). As I sat eating my salad, I began to notice that some of the people who were standing next to me were peering, in a quite obvious way, at my watch, which would occasionally pop out from beneath my shirt cuff as I reached for my glass. After a few minutes, one of the suits broke through the hushed whispers of the group and asked to see my watch. The look on all of their faces pretty much told me what I already knew -- my Newman project was a complete and unmitigated success. After resetting their collective jaws (which had collectively dropped onto the bar), we began discussing watches and each demoed their respective Pans and Rolexes & relayed stories of previous collectible watch sightings around the city. It goes without saying that I had a nice meal and the Newman was quite a hit (Euno -- As promised, this watch will soon be fitted with my black Rolex lizard strap. I just need to sort out the ongoing movement stabilization issues in the 6239, so I can swap the folded link bracelet over to that watch).

I love these watches.

_________________

I know I posted this elsewhere, but I think it merits repeating: Thanks to all who posted photos, tutorials, comments and inspiration along the way. But, most importantly, special thanks go to Ziggy, DW, Ubi, Tribal, Alligoat and especially Avitt, whose painfully beautiful 6263 & 6265 were the catalysts for this project. This watch could not have been completed without your kindness, support & assistance.

[eunomians]

Nice to read about your 'test drive'.

I agree with you in regards to the flatter OEM T21 being the best. This is the only later-style flatter OEM Rolex crystal that I prefer over original domed versions.

BTW, nice watch

The black lizard combo is exquisite! And extraordinarily unique and ohhh sooo fitting! Mr. Newman would be proud!

Cheers

[freddy333]

Thanks, Euno. I thought you would appreciate it. After all, it was your input that convinced me stick with the lizard strap for the 6241.

But I really need to keep the watch on the bracelet until I get the 6239 done (still dealing with the movement/case locking tab issues). I tend to prefer bracelets over straps and that way I would keep the 6241 (on strap) for more formal events and use the 6239 (on bracelet) for less formal and daytime wear.

[bertieng]

Nice watch, Freddy.

Wonder what is the watch case you used for your 6241. Is it the DW for the 6263 as well?

I am also building this project which I found problem with the DW case - the chrono openings on the case are not correct for the 6241 pushers, they are designed and cut to the spec to fit the big chrono pushers. For fitting the old style pushers teh cut outs should be much smaller on the case, if you see what I mean.

Basically DW doesn't supply cases with spec for the 6239/6241, they are for the 6263/65 etc. with the big pushers.

Though your 6241 is still stunnning. Congratulations.

[freddy333]

Thank you for the compliments, Bertieng. Is the picture in your message your project watch?

You are correct about the pushers and the cut of DW's cases. In fact, I can tell you horror stories, but do not get me started. Instead, read this. It will be very helpful & should answer alot of your questions.

DW's cases vary in a number of parameters. My first Newman project, a 6239, was a nightmare, while this one was a relative walk in the park. I posted a number of messages in the Rolex forum about the process, which you should be able to find via the Search.

[bertieng]

Thank you for the compliments, Bertieng. Is the picture in your message your project watch?

You are correct about the pushers and the cut of DW's cases. In fact, I can tell you horror stories, but do not get me started. Instead, read this. It will be very helpful & should answer alot of your questions.

DW's cases vary in a number of parameters. My first Newman project, a 6239, was a nightmare, while this one was a relative walk in the park. I posted a number of messages in the Rolex forum about the process, which you should be able to find via the Search.

Yes indeed, it is my project. But getting the right case is almost impossible unless go for the gen. It will cost a fortune.

I have my 6239 now ticking nicely but then the watch case with the big chrono pusher cut outs, it will never pass any serious Rollie experts.

BTW, it took me over one year to complete works will all the gen parts.

[freddy333]

Was most of that year spent tracking down the parts? I would love to see some clear full-frontal photos of your project.

All of the vintage Daytonas I have come across had low profile cases with pointed tips at each end. Your case looks different than mine. Did you grind down the pointed tips at the end of the lugs on your case?

I agree with you about the pusher & crown holes in the case being wrong, but the rep factories ALWAYS get at least 1 detail wrong on everything they produce. Literally. And I think some of them do this on purpose. Although I have not done anything to mine, I have a couple of ideas on how to improve or fix the holes -- One way would be to weld some additional metal over the pusher & crown holes and then file/sand/buff/redrill/retap them to the correct size/shape. Another thought was to fill the holes with gray-colored epoxy and then file/sand/buff/redrill/retap. Either option would require some additional work (and risk), but, if all goes well, you would end up with a more accurate looking case.

While I wish the case were made better, most people (unless you plan to sell or have your watch appraised by a Rolex specialist) will not notice it. At least, that has been my experience with this project watch & in the years I have been wearing Newman reps. My old Lemania/Venus-based 6241 is more than a few years old and, even with all of its obvious flaws, it has never been called out (but the flaws are so obvious that it would have only been a matter of time & I was always conscious of this whenever I wore it)

(This is the strap that will ultimately be paired with the DW 6241 Newman above)

On the other hand, the flaws on my new 6241 project watch (and its 6239 brother) are relatively hidden by the crown & pushers. But I do not plan to sell or have the watch appraised (or closely inspected) by any truly knowledgeable Rolex people. Also, I have seen 1 gen Newman on TZ that had similarly larger pusher holes in the case (I think it may have belonged to one of the Rolex Moderators, but it was a long time ago). I suspect that it was either a Rolex service replacement or yet another example of Rolex's habit of mixing up parts between model versions, as has been well documented in the case of vintage Subs & Seadwellers, especially for the Comex watches. So I would not let the holes bother you too much.

[eunomians]

I have seen 1 gen Newman on TZ that had similarly larger pusher holes in the case (I think it may have belonged to one of the Rolex Moderators, but it was a long time ago). I suspect that it was either a Rolex service replacement or yet another example of Rolex's habit of mixing up parts between model versions, as has been well documented in the case of vintage Subs & Seadwellers, especially for the Comex watches.

I believe that the inconsistent usage of parts allows for some interesting gems for the serious collector. It is also quite frustrating in certain instances, since legitimacy can be seemingly questioned.

As time goes on, there are more and more oddball Rolex with odd parts from other references and/or time periods with a given reference number. It's really fun stuff.

I like my '67 1675 with the seemingly incorrect small GMT hand. I have grandpa to thank for never servicing the watch until he gave it to me many years ago. The proof is in the pudding - paying attention to the details is what this sport is all about.

Best regards!

[freddy333]

You are one lucky sod, Euno, and exactly right about those gems stemming from Rolex's inconsistency.

James Dowling posted a rather interesting comment on TZ this morning about the unreliability of Rolex specifications when discussing model variations. It was in response to the question (cross-posted elsewhere here) about the existence of a Pt Datejust.

[mediawonk]

While test-fitting my collection of gen & aftermarket Tropic 21 crystals on the 6241 Newman Daytona looking for the best match, I was amazed to find that the flat, beveled gen crystal gave the watch a rich, jewel-like appearance that none of the other crystals (including a rounded gen T21) could match. Although I tend to prefer rounded crystals on most vintage sport Rolexes, this watch quite literally snaps into focus & exudes a whole new presence when capped with this particular crystal (unfortunately, the photo does not begin to capture the synergy of this crystal/watch combination seen live)

Curiously, I located a similar 6241 on Antiquorum that is fitted with the same crystal and, by sheer happenstance, the perspective in the Antiquorum photo & mine are nearly the same. So I thought a comparison of Lot 159 vs my DW 6241 would be insightful (pay particular attention to the images of the numbers from the left side of the running seconds subdial that are being refracted in the bevel of the crystal (at about 82 in the tachymeter))

Overall, it is quite striking how very similar in appearance these two watches are.

I should also mention that I took the watch out for a test drive to a popular upscale restaurant & bar last evening (I am still fine-tuning its timing). The wait for a table was so long that we decided to eat at the bar, which was filled to capacity with lots of Rolex-wearing yuppie types (myself included). As I sat eating my salad, I began to notice that some of the people who were standing next to me were peering, in a quite obvious way, at my watch, which would occasionally pop out from beneath my shirt cuff as I reached for my glass. After a few minutes, one of the suits broke through the hushed whispers of the group and asked to see my watch. The look on all of their faces pretty much told me what I already knew -- my Newman project was a complete and unmitigated success. After resetting their collective jaws (which had collectively dropped onto the bar), we began discussing watches and each demoed their respective Pans and Rolexes & relayed stories of previous collectible watch sightings around the city. It goes without saying that I had a nice meal and the Newman was quite a hit (Euno -- As promised, this watch will soon be fitted with my black Rolex lizard strap. I just need to sort out the ongoing movement stabilization issues in the 6239, so I can swap the folded link bracelet over to that watch).

I love these watches.

_________________

I know I posted this elsewhere, but I think it merits repeating: Thanks to all who posted photos, tutorials, comments and inspiration along the way. But, most importantly, special thanks go to The Zigmeister, DW, Ubi, Tribal, Alligoat and especially Avitt, whose painfully beautiful 6263 & 6265 were the catalysts for this project. This watch could not have been completed without your kindness, support & assistance.

Its a lovely (Newman) Freddy Dont you just lovvit when people are stunned by the watch, I used to work on the London Foreign exchange on the yen desk and all the suits used to love having a great watch because they were always out on the lash after work flashing their rollies and their Amex gold cards.

Just tell me the watch looks too big to be a 37mm I thought a 39-40 mm would be a dead give away please inform me ? whats right?

[dluddy]

I love that watch Freddie

[Tribal]

Damm, it looks fantastic...

Nice Improvement on this vintage Daytona...

I love it......

[freddy333]

Its a lovely (Newman) Freddy Dont you just lovvit when people are stunned by the watch, I used to work on the London Foreign exchange on the yen desk and all the suits used to love having a great watch because they were always out on the lash after work flashing their rollies and their Amex gold cards.

Just tell me the watch looks too big to be a 37mm I thought a 39-40 mm would be a dead give away please inform me ? whats right?

Thanks, MW. I know what you mean about the suits & their toys.

The case body dimensions are similar to the gen 6241 -- appx 35mm x 36mm with 19mm lugs. This is one of the main selling points of these rather expensive (emotionally draining) projects. The finished watch, although not a digital-quality copy, is nearly indistinguishable (visually & functionally) from a gen.

[freddy333]

dluddy & tribal - Many thanks for your encouraging words. You have probably seen these before, but here is the DW trio & The Cosmo Collection (for those who may not have seen them)

(V72-powered DW 6239 (left), 7750-powered DW 6263 with asymmetrical pushers (center) & V72-powered DW 6241 (right))

(Top row - 6239, 6241, 6263 & 6238. Middle row - 116520 (3.5 years old & still keeping COSC time) & 116509 (almost 1 year old & keeping COSC time). Bottom - 6238)

And one for Euno (yes, I know it is not the black lizard, but I think the red one works pretty well too)

[rek001]

Really, really nice watches Freddy. You should be proud.

Great story about the restaurant too.