Rolex

We are delighted to offer this remarkable Rolex reference 6263 “Panda” Paul Newman Daytona, fresh to the market from the family of the original owner. Presented in excellent and well-preserved condition, this example is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic and sought-after vintage timepieces in the world.

Few watches enjoy the legendary status of the “Paul Newman” Daytona. From its modest beginnings in the 1960s and 1970s, the model rose to prominence in the early 21st century as the ultimate grail for collectors—admired by all, yet owned by very few. The reference 6263 evolved from earlier Daytona models and drew inspiration from the reference 6240—the first to feature screw-down pushers, offering full water resistance and earning the “Oyster” designation. Introduced in 1969 alongside its sibling reference 6265, the 6263 was powered by the upgraded caliber 727 movement. While the 6265 featured a metal bezel with tachymeter scale, the 6263 distinguished itself with a striking black acrylic bezel.

The now-celebrated “Paul Newman” dial—originally referred to by Rolex as an “exotic” dial—made its debut in the late 1960s with the reference 6239. Initially met with tepid interest, it wasn’t until decades later that these dials became highly prized. Early examples showcased a tri-color layout of red, white, and black, with the “Daytona” name in red above the 12-hour register at 6 o’clock. These came in two main variations: white dials with black sub-dials and black dials with white sub-dials. As the Daytona evolved, so too did the exotic dial. By the time of the transitional references 6262 and 6264, a more restrained two-tone design had emerged, with the red outer minute track replaced by white markings.

With the introduction of the reference 6263, the dial underwent a subtle but significant transformation that gave birth to the now-iconic “Paul Newman Panda” dial. Named for its resemblance to the face of the panda bear, the design featured a crisp white background with contrasting black sub-dials, perfectly complemented by the black acrylic bezel. The red "Daytona" signature at 6 o’clock was removed, further emphasizing the watch’s clean, high-contrast aesthetic. Today, many consider the Panda dial the most beautiful and timeless of all the exotic configurations.

The present example is fitted with a rare Mark 1 dial, originally intended for the reference 6240, and only seen on early production models of references 6263 and 6265. It is easily identified by its unique “R” in “Rolex”—a wider letter with a short, stubby tail. In the world of vintage Rolex collecting, the Paul Newman Daytona is a cornerstone. But a reference 6263 fitted with a Panda Paul Newman dial is a true connoisseur’s dream.