Rolex

Rolex is a brand whose importance transcends the world of watches, and whose catalog is full of iconic models, and equally iconic owners and ambassadors. In the pantheon of Rolex greats, one model – and name – stands alone, the ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona. While these were originally known as ‘exotic dials’, the collector community has lovingly named them after their most famous wearer – American actor, racing driver, and philanthropist Paul Newman.

The present example here is a reference 6264 and is incredibly special for several reasons. Introduced in 1970 and produced for just one year, it serves as a transitional model, bridging the early and late vintage Rolex Daytona models. It combines the pump pushers and acrylic bezel of the 6241, with the high-beat Valjoux 727 calibre found in the later 6263 model. Due to its brief production period, the 6264 is rarely seen on the market, and scholarship thinks less than 2,000 models in steel were produced. These iconic ‘exotic’ Paul Newman Dials were manufactured by Singer for Rolex and came in either a two-color or three-color dial. This example features a three-color dial in a reverse panda configuration – but in a ‘Musketeer’ configuration. The Musketeer dials refer to the rarest tri-color dials, that only appear on 6264 or 6262 Daytona’s. While almost all Paul Newman dials have a concentric circular pattern on the sub registers, on a Musketeer dial, this pattern only covers two third of the surface. The remaining portion is not only smooth, but also sloped. This finishing gives the dial a unique, different and incredibly sought after look. Arguably, it is the rarest dial to have ever been fitted to a pump pusher Newman.

Further elevating this watch is the presence of its full suite of original documents which help to paint a picture of its early life. According to its original sales receipt, the watch was sold at a discount new – for the equivalent of $435 USD in Buenos Aires Argentina. Not only does the watch survive with its Rolex Argentina Receipt, but it has an Official Rolex Argentina ‘Certificacion de Valor’, and its original Rolex Argentina Envelope, as well as period literature, and Rolex presentation box. Owning a Paul Newman Daytona remains a grail watch for many collectors, whether for its racing pedigree, classic good looks, or association with the man himself. When looking at this example, it is easy to see the enduring appeal of the Paul Newman Daytona.