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T he Rolex Daytona Panda moniker has long been used by Rolex aficionadoes to identify black and white dial examples of the iconic Rolex Daytona. Across over 60 years of continuous production and evolution, the Rolex Daytona has offered a peerless blend of sporting DNA coupled with the exceptional build quality and considered design that defines Rolex watches, perfectly blending form and function.
The Rolex Daytona Panda variant, with its white face and black sub-dials, epitomizes the functional appeal of the Rolex Daytona. The contrasting colour scheme provides excellent legibility, particularly when using the chronograph function (the defining feature of the Rolex Daytona).
Admired for its distinctive aesthetics and storied history, in this article we select five standout examples from the Sotheby's archive. These watches, ranging from the rare and exotic Rolex Daytona Paul Newman versions to models with unique historical ties, represent exceptional examples of the iconic Rolex Daytona Panda model.
This Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman 6263, was sold in December 2022 for 504,000 USD. This model included all original accessories such as the presentation box, guarantee booklet dated December 6, 1971, and operating instructions. The complete nature of this lot made it a coveted trophy for Rolex Daytona collectors.
This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Panda featured a mark 1.5 Singer dial with a crisp ivory and black coloring. It was equipped with the correct 5-point Rolex crown, displaying only the coronet, and further recognized for its screw-down pushers enhancing water resistance. The art-deco style of the font and the hash marks with small squares on the subsidiary dial were characteristic of Paul Newman Rolex Daytona dials. The Rolex Paul Newman Daytona is historically tied to the endurance race ‘24 Hours of Daytona’ and the actor Paul Newman, establishing its place as one of the most iconic wristwatches of all time. This particular piece was offered in good condition, complete with box and papers, a rarity in the vintage Rolex Daytona Panda market.
This Rolex Daytona Reference 6265, known as the Alpine Cross, was sold for 317,500 CHF in May 2024. A unique and elusive Rolex Daytona variant, this model is one of only four known examples. The Swiss cross logo on the case back, surrounded by a knotted rope, linked this model to the Swiss Foundation of Alpine Research. This fourth watch was consigned by the Fuez family, instrumental in founding the Alpine Research foundation and therefore adding significant historical value. The watch was gifted by Ernst Feuz to his brother Walter, who kept it until his passing in 2000. The pristine condition of this Rolex Daytona Panda watch, combined with its association with the 1952 Everest expedition, made it a coveted item.
This Rolex Daytona Panda fell within the 2.8 million serial range, with the last three digits engraved inside the case back. Its rarity and direct connection to the foundation that commissioned it made this a standout piece. While the full story of the Alpine Cross Daytonas remains a mystery, this watch has added another piece to the puzzle as a significant and historical artifact in the world of luxury sports watches.
The Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman Reference 6241 was sold in September 2023 for 241,300 EUR. This model was a prime example of Rolex's craftsmanship during the 1960s. This particular piece remained unknown to the market until recently when it was rediscovered by the family of the original owner. Produced between 1965 and 1969, the Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman Reference 6241 was one of the rarest Rolex Daytona Panda models as part of a limited production run. The watch featured a 37 mm stainless steel case and was fitted with a black acrylic bezel insert. This bezel, combined with the exotic Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman dial, lends the watch a sportier and more modern appearance compared to other models from the same era.
The Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6241's allure was heightened by its exotic dial, a combination only found in a small fraction of these models. This specific example showcased the three-color Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman dial with vibrant red, black, and creamy white elements that created a striking visual contrast. The dial's Art Deco-inspired design, along with the well-preserved lume plots and hands, enhanced its vintage charm. Accompanied by its original 7205 bracelet with 71 endlinks, this watch stands as a testament to the Rolex watch brand's enduring legacy. Given its rarity and condition, this piece is a significant find for any serious collector of Rolex Daytona Panda watches.
This Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 16520 was sold in April 2022 for 1,197,000 HKD. The model was a significant model in the history of the Rolex Daytona collection, marking the transition from manually wound movements to automatic calibers in 1988. The transition to automatic calibers was based on the renowned Zenith El Primero caliber. Its groundbreaking role in Rolex watch history along with the addition of sapphire crystal, redesigned chronograph registers, and a larger case, set this model apart from its predecessors and marked a new era for the Rolex Daytona series.
One of the most distinctive features of this Rolex Daytona Panda was its porcelain dial, characterized by a milky, glossy surface that added a unique aesthetic appeal. The serif fonts on the dial created a shadow effect and gave the appearance of floating above the dial, enhancing its aesthetic charm. This particular example also featured the rare Mk I dial, with the Cosmograph line placed below the other four lines on the dial and an inverted 6 above the 6 o'clock mark. The pristine condition of this watch, combined with its rare dial configuration, made it a standout Rolex Daytona Panda example and a highly coveted item among collectors.
This Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6240 was sold in April 2022 for 1,134,000 HKD. This model held a special place in the evolution of the Rolex Daytona series, as it was the first model to feature the waterproof Oyster case. Introduced in 1965, this reference was designed to meet the growing demand for a waterproof chronograph and set the blueprint for future Rolex Daytona models. Only approximately 1,700 examples of the Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6240 were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after model.
This particular example was notable for its beautifully aged tropical registers, which developed a natural brown hue over time. The dial was originally from the non-waterproof Rolex Daytona Reference 6239 and featured an enlarged Daytona logo, earning it the nickname Big Logo. Another unique aspect of this watch was its Jubilee bracelet, which was uncommon for Rolex Daytona models of this era. The bracelet’s distinct oval-shaped links added to the watch's special appeal. Complete with its original box and guarantee, this Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6240 was a rare find for collectors seeking a vintage Rolex Daytona Panda with both historical significance and unique features.
These five Rolex Daytona Panda watches from the extensive Sotheby's archive exemplify the rich history and craftsmanship associated with this enduring colour scheme. From the rare and exotic Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman dial of the Reference 6241 to the unique provenance of the Rolex Daytona Alpine Research Reference 6265, each watch represented a significant milestone in the evolution of the Rolex Daytona. Collectors and enthusiasts alike can appreciate the unique qualities and historical importance of these standout examples.
The Rolex Daytona Panda, in its various iterations over the decades, remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Sotheby's is on hand to support as a trusted partner for selling or purchasing a vintage or modern Rolex Daytona Panda, or indeed any Rolex model.
Trust our worldwide network of leading Rolex specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
