Rolex

The Paul Newman Daytona has continued to grow in popularity over the years, attracting established Rolex lovers, profound collectors and celebrities. Paul Newman Daytona’s, as they are known by the community, are defined by their Art Deco style dial type, officially known as an "exotic dial”. These watches went unloved by the market for some years, until the late 1980s, when the term "Paul Newman" was coined by a group of Italian watch dealers and collectors, (after Paul Newman was photographed on several occasions wearing his own reference 6239). Since the sale of Newman’s one and only exotic dial Daytona, we have seen the appetite and market for Paul Newman’s explode in value.

Between the 1960s to 1980s, it is believed that for every 20 normal Daytona dials, there would be one exotic dial made. Yet among all the exotic dials made there is also a classification of which combination is more desirable. The combination immediately becomes more difficult when the reference and material of the watch come into the picture. For instance, a gold Paul Newman Daytona case would be rarer than one made in a stainless steel case, as there were only a fraction produced.

In addition to rarity and condition, provenance does play a key factor when determining the price of a highly collectible wristwatch. This 6264 was previously owned by a Prominent International Diplomat, and is being offered today from the descendants of the original owner.

The present reference 6264 in a yellow gold case is distinguished by the dial, playfully nicknamed “Lemon” within the collector community. The configuration of a “Lemon” dial is uncommon for various reasons; typically, the dial color should be more of a cream color, and yet the present “Lemon” dial features a more attractive citric tone with an intense black subsidiary dials and white graphics instead of gilt subsidiary-markers. 

To the best of our knowledge, there are only a dozen of “Lemon” dials known publicly. Sotheby’s is delighted to present this truly exceptional and rare Paul Newman 6264 with “Lemon” dial for auction.

For similar example of reference 6264 “Lemon Dial”, please see "Ultimate Rolex Daytona” by Pucci Papaelo, pages 316-319.