Hands-On With Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona

Writing about Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona brings up unique challenges. First of all, do you call Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona also a Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman”? This seemed to be redundant as it was the fact that the actor was wearing this watch, this exact watch, that made Rolex collectors give this model or the Daytona its illustrious nickname. Also, as this was Paul Newman’s personal Daytona, does anybody even care to read about its features or its movement inside?

Part of the magic of this watch is that it goes so much further than being a watch owned by a famous actor. The watch was a gift from his wife Joanne Woodward to mark the start of his racing career, and most likely presented to him in 1968 or 1969. This also explains the endearing engraving on the back of the watch which says “Drive carefully me.” Driving Paul Newman did for sure, as he had a very successful, and indeed safe, racing career with finishing third overall and won the GT-class of the 24-hour endurance race at Daytona in 1995, celebrating his 70th birthday only eight days before!

While Paul Newman’s own Daytona was a reference 6239, the type of watches that we now refer to as “Paul Newman” include more reference numbers such as the 6241, 6262, 6264, 6265 and 6263. While different color combinations are accepted, it is mandatory to have that exotic dial fitted with the watch, featuring their signature subsidiary dials with art deco-style graphics. They are among the most recognizable, desirable and sought-after vintage Rolex, yet the watch that gave all these others their nickname has never been up for public sale ever.

The watch itself will be auctioned off by Phillips in the auction in New York City on October 26 of this year, being offered by James Cox, who was once involved with Nell, Paul Newman’s daughter. Next to an actor and a race car driver was Paul Newman also an avid philanthropist. It is there for quite fitting that a significant portion of the proceeds will go to the Nell Newman Foundation, and proceeds from the sale will also go to the Newman’s Own Foundation.

The bidding is starting at a cool $1.000.000,- but you can expect the gloves to come off. In fact, it wouldn’t even be surprising when Paul Newman’s Daytona would become the most expensive vintage Rolex ever sold. That means it would have to dethrone the   Bao Dai Rolex, which sold last May for CHF 5.066.000,-. But then again, how often do you have the opportunity to purchase a watch worn by one of the most famous actor’s, which actually became the nickname of one of the most desirable vintage watches ever?

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