ROLEX. Daytona Ref. 6263 Paul Newman Panda dial

Published on 14 December 2018

We have already presented a Rolex Daytona last week, on Jérôme Lemoine’s wrist, but this one is so amazing that we absolutely wanted to put it on the spotlight.

ART MARKET’S HOLY GRAIL

The “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona went down in the art market history in 12 minutes. It was the one of the famous american actor, a fine timepiece offered by his wife, with the inscription on the case back: “Drive carefully me”. Only 12 minutes were enough to sell this masterpiece at 17 million dollars in New York. It then became the symbol of all watch sales records.

First watchmade in 1963, Paul Newman enhanced the Daytona by wearing it in 1969 on the film shooting Virage.  At the same time, famous french actor Jean Paul Belmondo wore it in the motion picture Peur sur la Ville and also L’Alpageur

It can’t be denied that this Rolex Daytona reference 6263 is a mythical one, and has an outstanding and rare “Paul Newman” dial.

THE FIRST WATER-RESISTANT REFERENCE

The reference 6263 is one of the most iconic references of the Daytona Cosmograph models. Produced from 1969, it is the more efficient version and replaces the reference 6240.

A larger case, a beautiful black bezel, a new caliber and screwed pusher-buttons are all innovative elements that give this chronograph such a modern look and make it a true professional watch.

A PAUL NEWMAN & PANDA DIAL

The stunning Mark II dial nicknamed “Panda”, because of the black counters on the white dial, has square indexes and Arabic numerals following a very particular typography, in an almost “Art Deco” style, enabling a better readability. It is this exotic dial that has made its reputation. Only a very few were produced by the Manufacture, which make them extremely rare. 

The combination of these two particularities makes this chronograph a true Holy Grail for all collectors. At the crossroads of cinema and motor racing’s world, it is a true watchmaking legend, more than just an investment.

Romain Réa