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The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Watches
From diamond-encrusted masterpieces to ultra-rare vintage models, explore the top 5 most expensive Rolex watches and what makes them so valuable.
For decades, Rolex has defined the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, with certain models transcending their function to become cultural icons and coveted collector's items. While many Rolex watches are admired for their craftsmanship and design, a rare few have reached extraordinary heights at auction, fetching seven-figure sums thanks to their rarity, provenance, and historical significance. From the iconic "John Player Special" Daytona to the historically significant Day-Date once owned by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, the most expensive Rolex watches tell stories that go far beyond the wrist. In this article, we explore the five most expensive Rolex watches sold at auction since 2024.
Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6241 Circa 1969 1,140,000 USD
This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6241, famously known as the "John Player Special," was sold for $1,140,000 in December 2024. This exceptionally rare variant of the "Paul Newman" Daytona takes its name from the striking black-and-gold livery of the Lotus Formula One cars sponsored by John Player & Sons in the 1970s. The reference 6241, produced between 1966 and 1969, is among the rarest Daytona models, with only approximately 3,000 examples made, and an estimated 300 crafted in yellow gold. Even rarer still, only a small fraction of these featured the coveted John Player Special dial, making this particular piece a standout in horological history.
What elevates this watch is its unique 14k yellow gold case, a departure from the more common 18k gold, paired with a matching 14k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet. This watch's provenance adds to its allure: it was part of Tom Brady's personal collection and gained public attention when he wore it during the New England Patriots' 2023 home opener. The occasion, which honored Brady with an announcement of his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame, saw the legendary quarterback sporting this iconic timepiece.
Rolex 'Tropical Paul Newman' Daytona Reference 6241 Circa 1968, 914,400 USD
This Rolex Daytona Reference 6241 “Tropical Paul Newman” was sold for $914,400 in June 2025. Produced for just four years between 1965 and 1969, the 6241 is among the rarest and most coveted vintage Daytona references, with only around 2,700 to 3,000 examples known to exist. It shares several key features with the 6239—including an early non-Oyster case, pump-style pushers, and the Valjoux 722 movement—but sets itself apart with its black acrylic bezel insert, which lends the watch a slightly larger and more contemporary aesthetic. A limited number of these watches were fitted with what collectors now call “Paul Newman” dials, a nickname derived from the legendary actor and racing driver who famously wore the model. With their contrasting color schemes, stepped outer tracks, and distinctive Art Deco-style numerals, these dials are among the most sought-after in all of vintage watch collecting.
This particular example stands out for its remarkable “tropical” dial—an extremely rare phenomenon in which the black sub-registers have aged into a warm, tobacco-like brown. The contrast between the now richly patinated subdials and the bright ivory dial plate is visually arresting, especially when paired with the vivid red “Daytona” text and crisp white printing. All lume plots remain intact and evenly aged, and the case retains its original proportions, including the pump pushers and the sharply preserved black acrylic bezel. The serial and reference numbers between the lugs remain clear and legible, confirming the watch’s originality. Already an extraordinary reference by virtue of its rarity and condition, this 6241 is further elevated by the unique character of its tropical dial—making it one of the most visually striking and collectible Paul Newman Daytonas ever to surface at auction.
Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 Circa 1963, 840,000 USD
This Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803, sold for $840,000 in December 2024, exemplifies the historical and cultural significance of Rolex’s flagship model. Introduced in 1956 as the first watch to display both the day and date in full on its dial, the Day-Date quickly earned its reputation as the "Rolex President." This 1963 example belonged to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a transformative leader in the Arab world. Known for his dedication to social justice and monumental achievements like the construction of the Aswan High Dam, Nasser left an indelible mark on history. The watch, a gift from his close friend and future president Anwar El Sadat, bears a personalized inscription in Arabic that reads: “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963,” linking two legendary figures in Egyptian history.
This remarkable timepiece remained a constant companion throughout Nasser's presidency, featuring prominently during pivotal moments such as the Six-Day War and key diplomatic meetings. Passed down through generations of the Nasser family, it became one of the leader’s few personal possessions outside museum collections. Its provenance and association with historic events elevate it to the status of a true “presidential” Rolex. Combined with its pristine condition and complete set of original accessories, this Day-Date Reference 1803 serves as a testament to Nasser’s enduring legacy and the watch’s place as an iconic symbol of leadership and unity.
Rolex Daytona Reference 6238 Circa 1968, 768,000 USD
The Rolex Daytona Reference 6238, sold for $768,000 in December 2024, marks an important step in the history of Rolex chronographs. Known as the "Pre-Daytona," this model was one of the last to feature a tachymeter scale on the dial before Rolex moved it to the bezel in later Daytona models. Made around 1968, this particular watch has a clear serial number, 1,836,336, and is crafted in 14K gold, a choice often seen in Rolex watches made for the U.S. market due to import restrictions at the time. Its case back and movement markings confirm it was imported by Rolex USA.
This watch has features similar to the later Daytona models, like the black bezel and two-tone dial, but also includes unique details such as gold chronograph hands and larger print for the "T SWISS T" marking. The watch is in excellent condition and comes directly from the family of its original owner. Its combination of rarity, design, and history makes it a standout piece in the Daytona collection.
Rolex 'Panda Paul Newman' Daytona Reference 6263 Circa 1969, 762,000 USD
This Rolex Daytona Reference 6263 “Panda Paul Newman” was sold for $762,000 in June 2025. Fresh to the market from the family of the original owner, this extraordinary timepiece stands among the most iconic and coveted vintage Rolex watches ever produced. Introduced in 1969, the reference 6263 built upon the innovations of earlier Daytona models, incorporating screw-down pushers and a black acrylic bezel for enhanced water resistance and a more contemporary aesthetic. Powered by the upgraded Valjoux caliber 727 movement, the 6263 combined technical performance with a bold, modern design. Most significantly, this example is fitted with the celebrated “Paul Newman” dial, known for its exotic styling and rarity—traits that have transformed the Daytona from a tool watch into a cornerstone of high-end collecting.
What sets this watch apart is its coveted “Panda” Paul Newman dial, named for the striking contrast between its crisp white dial and black sub-registers. This version features a rare Mark 1 dial—originally intended for the reference 6240—distinguished by its wider “R” in “Rolex” with a short, blunt tail, and found only in early production 6263 and 6265 models. Unlike earlier Paul Newman dials with tri-color detailing and red “Daytona” text, the Panda dial presents a cleaner, more restrained two-tone palette that many collectors consider the most elegant and timeless of all configurations. Preserved in excellent condition, this example is an exceptional rarity that embodies the enduring allure of vintage Rolex and the cult status of the Paul Newman Daytona.
Buy or Sell Your Next Rolex Watch with Sotheby's
Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.
Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.
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