Rolex

Rolex is not a brand in short supply of iconic watches, nor of equally iconic owners. That being said, one watch – and one man – stands alone at the top of the pyramid: the ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona. While these were originally known as ‘exotic dials’, the collector community has lovingly named them after their most famous wearer – American actor, racing driver, and philanthropist Paul Newman.

The example here is a reference 6262, introduced in 1970 and produced for just one year. It serves as a transitional model, bridging the early and late vintage Rolex Daytona models. It combines the pump pushers of the 6239, the first Daytona, with the 727 Valjoux caliber, the final evolution of the movement also found in the 6263 and 6265 models. Due to its brief production period, the 6262 is rarely seen on the market. Additionally, these ‘exotic’ Paul Newman Dials were manufactured by Singer for Rolex and came in either a two-color or three-color dial. This example features a three-color dial in a reverse panda configuration. Owning a Paul Newman Daytona remains a grail watch for many collectors, whether for its racing pedigree, classic good looks, or association with the man himself.