Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, the three ingredients of a watch are, it tells a story, it is the most famous watch and the most sought after in the world.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona: automotive passion and technological innovation

"Daytona" refers to the city of Florida, legendary for its hard sandy beach with a succession of car speed records between 1903 and 1935. The world-famous city continues later on the "Daytona International Speedway" circuit that partners with Rolex. 24 hours of Daytona, will become one of the most prestigious endurance race in the world, with the 24h of Le Mans

When the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is first sold in the US in 1965, it was first thought for racing and racers: tachymeter scale for measuring speed, chronograph movement, colour contrast between the counters and the dial for easy reading in precarious conditions. The association with motor racing is an argument that particularly appealed to the American public.

The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman: a watch, a man, a legend

Daytona "Paul Newman" 6262 Reference 1971

Over the years, the Rolex Daytona knows several changes and different versions of dial gauges including so-called "exotic". These models do not receive the favour of the public, who buys these watches by asking to change the dial to a traditional model. Yet it is one of these models, which under the name "Paul Newman" will know from the 1980s the growing favours of collectors.

Paul Newman was a movie star, but also a fashion icon and an excellent race car driver. The association of his name with that particular model of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is nothing official and comes from collectors: it is within these legends that create myths. One of these legends would be Paul Newman; himself had ordered this particular Rolex. Newman, a young owner of a car racing team, would have used this watch as a gift to its players and sponsors. Another legend says that Newman would have worn this watch in the film Winning (1969) which takes place with a background racing. Finally one last story - only that the actor has not denied - reported that Newman would have made ​​the cover of fashion magazine Moda, in 1973, a Daytona "Paul Newman" on his wrist. Newman had many Daytona, the first of which was offered to him by his wife in 1972 for his debut in motor sport, but not a "Newman". Whatever, the legend was born. Once despised, the model becomes from 1980 the most sought after brand to the crown.

The dial "Paul Newman" details that make all the difference

On the second hand market, Daytona Newman sees its estimate doubled compared to a conventional Daytona of the same period and having the same characteristics. Yet the unique differences are visual and reside in the dial.

Dial Features "Paul Newman"

 - Art Deco style Police figures for counters

 - Scale of the second printed on a graduated border colour contrast as well as the three counters

 - Index square meters on the division’s chrono counters

This series has had seven refrences sold between 1963 and 1973. Of the 1200 pieces produced, experts estimate that less than half is still in available today. The production of the series was very low, which explains its high value. These watches are extremely rare on the market.

Daytona Newman: the holy grail for collectors

The evolution of prices over 20 years is rapid and no comparison with any other model. On the market, a Daytona "Paul Newman" Mechanical years 1960-1970 in very good condition with original assembly is now worth between £50,000 and £70,000.

Some models available in 14k gold or 18k at their output, particularly sought after by collectors, has their estimation doubled compared to the similar model of steel.

Discerning collectors are willing to put however much more to acquire exceptional. The reference, integrity and status of the model involved in the price. But the rarity of the colour configuration / parts and details, such as the reversal of entries or the patina may explode.

The patina counters become chocolate ... this is what has allowed this dial pattern called "Tropical Panda" to reach the sum of 336,000 euros at Artcurial in July 2014. A world record for this model also nicknamed “ultimate coffee panda” 1969 perfectly maintained and a record at auction in France for a Rolex

However, the absolute record back to a model 1969 awarded 1,043,745 euros at Christie's in Geneva in November 2013. What justifies this amount?  The rarity of its black dial and reversal of words of the inscription: Rolex - Cosmograph - Oyster.

Steeped in history, adrenaline and passion, there is no watch most copied in the world that Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" in which there are now outstanding certainly more false than original. To sell or buy the precious chronograph, it is imperative to approach recognized professionals who will be telling his secrets to the watch.

Anaïs Knife

This article is published in collaboration with

Firm specializing in insurance works and objects of art, jewellery and watch collection.

For more information:  www.hache-expertise.com

Photo credits:

1) Courtesy of Antiquorum

2) 3) 4) Courtesy of Rolex

5) Courtesy of Artcurial