Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" Mk1 - PRICE ON REQUEST

The Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" is one of the most legendary and sought-after vintage watches in the world. Originally introduced in the early 1960s, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was designed as a professional racing chronograph, named after the famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida. However, when it was first released, the Daytona was not an immediate commercial success. It remained somewhat of a niche product in Rolex’s lineup until it became associated with Hollywood actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, which transformed it into a true collector’s icon.

The Paul Newman Daytona refers specifically to exotic-dial variations of the manually wound Rolex Daytona references 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, and 6265, produced between 1963 and the early 1970s. These exotic dials, manufactured by Singer, featured contrasting colors, an Art Deco-style font on the sub-dials, and square-ended markers inside the sub-registers, giving them a unique, sporty aesthetic. These dials were initially unpopular, and many buyers preferred the standard Daytona dials, making the exotic-dial versions rare today.

The watch gained its legendary status when Paul Newman, a famous actor and race car driver, was spotted wearing a Rolex Daytona 6239 with an exotic dial in the 1980s. His personal Daytona was a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, engraved with the words "Drive Carefully Me" on the caseback. This association with Newman, combined with the rarity of the exotic dials, led to an explosion in demand among collectors. Over time, the "Paul Newman" Daytona became one of the most coveted vintage watches, commanding record-breaking prices at auctions.

In 2017, Paul Newman's personal Rolex Daytona 6239 was auctioned at Phillips for an astonishing $17.8 million, making it the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at the time. This event solidified the Daytona’s place in horological history and reaffirmed its status as the ultimate collector’s piece. Today, the Paul Newman Daytona remains one of the most valuable and celebrated vintage Rolex models, a symbol of both racing heritage and Hollywood glamour.

The model we have here is a reference 6263, featuring a black Bakelite bezel and screw-down pushers. This "panda" dial represents the very first execution, known as the Mark 1 dial, which is identifiable by its old-style Rolex logo, featuring a large 'R' in Rolex, along with the non-serif 'Oyster' and 'Cosmograph' text. It also features the rare and correct "millerighe" pushers. To top it off, its original riveted Oyster bracelet is engraved with "69". 

In summary, this is one of the most legendary collectible watches, and undoubtedly the most iconic of all Daytonas. A highly collectible piece!