Paul Newman and Rolex Daytonas

The Paul Newman Daytona, a watch model from the Rolex brand, went down in history as a true icon. The background: A very special example of the timepiece was auctioned in 2017 as the "most expensive watch in the world" for 17.8 million US dollars . The lucrative auction, which broke all records, attracted worldwide attention and suddenly brought the Rolex Daytona series back into the center of attention of watch lovers all over the world.

Paul Newman and Rolex Daytona – What connects the celebrity and the watch?

Paul Leonard Newman, born on January 26, 1925 in Ohio, supported the US Navy as a soldier in World War II and then began a career that was unparalleled. Known as an actor and director, Newman was nominated for ten Oscars during his lifetime, thrilled audiences in films such as "The Color of Money" and was awarded an honorary Oscar for his lifetime achievement in 1986. He was also passionate about racing and attached great importance to social commitment. All profits from his food company "Newman's Own" went to social projects, while he worked with the non-profit organization "Safe Water Network" to develop sustainable drinking water supply routes for those in need. In short: Newman, who died in Connecticut in 2008, was a multi-talented, generous and enthusiastic man who knew how to do good with his talents and the resulting financial means. But what does this Paul Newman have to do with the Rolex Daytona?

This is easy to explain. Newman owned a Daytona 6239, which he wore not only in private but also sometimes in front of the camera. His wife Joanne Woodward, also an Oscar-winning actress, had the words "Drive carefully. Me" engraved on the back of his watch. It was none other than this individually engraved watch, worn by Newman for decades, that changed hands for a record price in New York in 2017. To this day, the Rolex Daytona 6239 with the cream-colored "Exotic" dial is referred to as the Paul Newman Daytona and is one of the most sought-after watches on the scene.

Incidentally, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the so-called "Big Red". He left this watch to his daughter, who sold the watch in 2020 for almost $5.5 million and donated all the proceeds to charity. A decision that her father would certainly have supported.

Brief portrait: Characteristic features of the Rolex Daytona 6239

The high demand for genuine Paul Newman Daytona watches means that there are now a few fakes on the market. This makes it all the more important to know exactly how to recognise an original Rolex Daytona 6239 before making a purchase. The "Exotic" dial in a classy cream tone is particularly characteristic of the legendary timepiece. The authentic model is as popular as it is rare: because the "Exotic" version sold rather poorly when the Daytona 6239 was manufactured, only a relatively small number were produced. Another distinguishing feature relates to the font of the numerals. On the Newman Daytona, these are in an extravagant "Art Deco" style and are therefore a characteristic that connoisseurs can use as a guide. And there is another aspect that can provide clues as to whether you are dealing with a genuine Newman Daytona: the sub-dials. Unlike the standard version, the division on the left totalizer of the Newman 6239 is 15, 30, 45 and 60. This results in three clear identifying features of an authentic Paul Newton Daytona 6239:

• "Exotic" dial

• numbers in "Art Deco" font

• division 15, 30, 45, 60

It goes without saying that, despite all caution and know-how in terms of identifying originals, watches in this price range should only be purchased from a reputable seller or dealer. After all, a professional, reputable source is the best guarantee of a genuine original.

Rolex Daytona 6263 “Big Red”: Paul Newman’s second watch

As mentioned above, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the model 6263, called "Big Red". This name comes from the series name "Daytona" embossed in a curve in bright red. The "Big Red" is a sports watch with an extremely elegant character and has a 200 units per hour strong black tachymeter bezel and sub-dials that stand out visually thanks to the deliberate use of contrast.

By the way: In addition to the "Big Red" and the 6239, the "John Player Special" Daytona with the reference 6241 is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Newman Daytona. Don't be fooled here: In principle, any watch that is somewhat stylistically appropriate can be advertised as a model with the "Newman look", but only the 6239 with the "Exotic" dial and the 6263 with the black bezel are truly Paul Newman Daytonas.

Cost: How expensive are Paul Newman Rolex Daytona models?

Of course, vintage watches from the renowned Rolex brand are not bargains, as every watch lover knows. However, most of the iconic watches are not as expensive as the Daytona timepiece that was actually worn by Paul Newman himself. On average, you have to invest around €400,000 in a Daytona 6239 with an "Exotic" dial. Prices sometimes fluctuate depending on the condition of the products, so that less well-preserved pieces can occasionally be bought for significantly less, although the upper price limits are completely open. The model with reference number 6263 is even cheaper. The "Big Red" is sometimes offered for €50,000 to €70,000 - if you're lucky, you'll come across a really good deal and even get one for under €50,000. It can therefore be said that both Newman Daytona watches are definitely in the higher price segment and therefore appeal to a very specific group of customers. However, the current selling prices are considerably lower than the record price of 17.8 million US dollars that the still unknown bidder was once willing to pay for his Daytona 6239 worn by Newman.

Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – A watch makes history

The Rolex Daytona not only helps its wearer to keep track of time, but its history also shows how times change. Once anything but a best seller, the two Paul Newman Daytonas - "Big Red" 6263 and "Exotic" 6239 - are now among the most sought-after and legendary timepieces of all and prove that when concentrated celebrity and the highest watchmaking art come together, legends are born.