Learn About the Legendary Paul Newman Daytona by Rolex - Bob's Watches (2024)

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What is a Paul Newman Daytona worth? ›

The original Paul Newman Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6239 was sold at the prestigious New York auction house for a record price of $17,752,500.

The cases, bracelets, and movements of traditional vintage Daytona watches and “Paul Newman” Daytona watches are identical. So what sets a Paul Newman Daytona apart from other classic Daytona models? The simple answer is the watch's dial.

Paul Newman Daytona “Panda”

Almost impossible to find, the “panda bear” faced Daytona is said to be one of the most classy and clean Rolexes ever made. In almost every picture you see of Paul Newman in his day to day life you will notice the black and white dial peeking through his shirt cuff.

While it is common knowledge that “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytonas the exotic dial chronographs popularized by the late, great actor and race car driver, have increased exponentially in value in recent years, but there are a few variants that have hit even more astonishing and astronomical prices thanks to their extreme ...

Only 3000 of the Rolex Daytona 6241 Paul Newman were made, with 2300 in stainless steel and 700 in gold. If you're hoping to find a ref. 6263 or 6265, or if you have one, only 24,000 with made with over 90% of these made in stainless steel.

Simply speaking, the dial combination required for any collectors to claim their watches as a Paul Newman Daytona must include the characteristic of a 3-coloured dial, an art deco-style font and the harsh marks with small squares to the subsidiary dial.

The famous Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona is back - in a way. Rolex made a surprising launch over the weekend: a special-edition Daytona that celebrates the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and its design is similar to a model distinctive for its squared lollipop hash marks on the subdials.

Paul Newman's 'Paul Newman' Rolex Daytona Sets World Record, Fetches $17.8 Million.

The Rolex Daytona Is Rare With Limited Production Runs

At first, this watch wasn't popular at all, so production numbers were naturally low. However, once the Daytona was popular, it was in Rolex's best interest to keep this luxury sports watch's production numbers low to preserve its high demand.

What makes Daytona so special? ›

To conclude, the Rolex Daytona's popularity can be attributed to its rich heritage, timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, rarity, and investment value. It is not only an incredible timepiece but it has also become a symbol of achievement, luxury, and taste.

Rolex "Daytona" watches, made famous by actor Paul Newman, are one of the most-recognized watches in the world.

The ref. 6263 with a panda dial is one of the most highly coveted and expensive versions of the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman.

The sale of Mr. Newman's Rolex Daytona reference 6239 for $17.8 million three years prior remains the high-water mark for his horological assets. The actor received the watch from his wife around the late '60s, coinciding with the start of his time-consuming side-gig behind the steering wheel.

The Ref. 6264 was only produced for a few years between the end of the 1960s until the beginning of the 1970s. Only a fraction of these were fitted with the exotic Paul Newman dial, making it an extremely collectible Daytona.

Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona – $17.75 million

The most expensive Rolex watch ever sold at auction is Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona, which was sold for a staggering amount of $17.75 million at Phillips Auction House in New York in 2017.

The sale of Mr. Newman's Rolex Daytona reference 6239 for $17.8 million three years prior remains the high-water mark for his horological assets. The actor received the watch from his wife around the late '60s, coinciding with the start of his time-consuming side-gig behind the steering wheel.

As of December 2022, the most expensive watch (and wristwatch) ever sold at auction is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, fetching US$31.19 million (31,000,000 CHF) in Geneva on 9 November 2019.