Rolex

• cal. 727 manual winding movement, 17 jewels • white dial, applied square and luminescent dot indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, engine-turned black subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hours registers, luminescent hands • stainless steel Oyster case, steel bezel with tachymeter scale calibrated to 200 units, screw-down crown, chronograph pushers and back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet

Movement running and chronograph functioning at the time of cataloging. Case's condition in accordance with age and use, polished in the past, scuffs and scratches throughout particularly to the lower right lug. Some minor tarnishing in the inner rim inside the case. The bezel with some scuffs and a dent to its edge at 9. Plexi with some scuffs mainly at 12. The pushers are later, most likely replaced during a Rolex service. Dial in good condition. The attractive patina of the luminescent materials of the indexes and hands match and are rellumed as still glowing under black light. The luminescent dots on a very discreet black layer (some partly on the edge of white part of the dial), noticeable with a strong magnifying glass. A very very minor stain next to the index at 11. The hands of the subsidiary dials with some tarnishing. The dial signed Singer on its back. Bracelet with the usual scuffs and scratches. Number 78350 endlinks 557. Overall an attractive example of a highly sought-after model and with conservative estimate. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. The written guarantee with correct case number but interestingly watch wrongly described as 6266.
"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."

Accompanied by a Rolex Guarantee, booklet, folders and two service guarantees.

The Rolex Daytona is probably the most iconic piece in wristwatch history.

Behind the celebrated name, some references are particularly cherished by collectors.
Regarded as ultimate evolution of the vintage models, the 6265 (the present lot) and 6263 (the previous lot) are undoubtedly part of them.
Produced between the early 1970’s to 1987, they gather some of the most attractive features, such as a movement based on the Valjoux 72, screw-down chronograph pushers and elegant proportions.

References 6263 and 6265 were available with standard dials but also, for the early pieces with serial number between approx. 2.2 and 3 million, with special dials, known as 'exotic' dials. Years later, watches with these dials became known as 'Paul Newman' models, as the actor is presumed to have worn one in the 1969 auto racing film 'Winning'. The 'Paul Newman' dial is characterized by square markers in the chronograph scale and subsidiary dials and the alternating patterning of the coloration. Though widely available at the time, these dials were produced in smaller numbers and are rarer to find on watches today.
The most sought-after configuration of the Paul Newman dials is nicknamed “Panda”. It is characterized by a white dial contrasting with black subsidiary dials and black outer minute ring. Perfectly complimenting the rest of the watch, this dial embodies a strong sporty and elegant spirit.

The present lot is a “fresh to the market” Daytona 6265 Paul Newman Panda.
It was consigned directly by the family of its original owner who bought it new in December 1973.
Its beautifully preserved dial will immediately strike and please the collector’s eye. The watch is further accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee, booklet and some service guarantees.

This piece has to be considered as a highly attractive and well-documented example with complete provenance of what is regarded as an ultimate trophy in any serious collection.