ROLEX | 'PAUL NEWMAN PANDA' DAYTONA, REF 6263STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1969

Dial: white 'Panda' Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 2'085'601 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 37.5 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the chronograph working. CASE: in very attractive original condition with sharp lugs and nice proportions with only very light polishing to the case. The case has noticeable nicks and scratches throughout. There are some minor scratches to the glass, as well as a small crack at 1 o'clock. The bracelet, reference 7835, is in attractive condition with minor surface wear and stretching. Overall a very honest and original family watch. DIAL: in great condition with minor surface blemishes visible with the naked eye. The lume plots have aged nicely and react evenly under UV light, fading quickly after exposure. The luminous material at 3 and 7 o'clock has some very minor losses. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona carries with it many fascinating stories of its creation and path to fame. Its association to the world-renowned endurance race ‘24 Hours of Daytona’ and to actor Paul Newman (who participated in the race with this model and featured it in several of his films) has truly established the model’s place in history as one of the most iconic wristwatches of all time. Reference 6263 bearing the ‘Paul Newman Panda’ dial is certainly considered the holy grail of watches. Finding this reference in good condition is extremely difficult in today’s complex and exponentially growing Rolex Vintage market. Therefore, provenance and history are of upmost importance, and key to finding this rare example in original condition.

Sotheby’s is proud to present this lot from its original and sole owner, who acquired the watch at Bucherer in the mid-1970s. It is important to note the extraordinary condition of the piece. According to its owner, it has been seen by a watchmaker only once for simple movement verification with one indication of intervention, evidence of which can be seen on the inside case back.

The serial number 2'085'601 indicates a very early version of reference 6263. The watch is fitted with an ‘MK 1 Panda’ dial featuring an attractive ivory hue and MK1 bezel, perfectly corresponding to the first models produced. The remarkable condition of the present model is exemplified by the first generation ‘millerighe’ pushers. The inside case back is stamped ‘6239’ and the dial, which is a key element to any ‘Paul Newman’, is at its best. The engravings and graphics are clearly defined, and the luminous dots are still intact.