The hushed reverence of the Antiques Roadshow set is a familiar scene. Appraisers, with their practiced eyes and encyclopedic knowledge, delicately handle heirlooms and forgotten treasures, their pronouncements carrying the weight of history and value. But few moments in the show's long history have generated the sheer shock and awe as the revelation of the valuation of a particular Rolex Daytona, a watch so significant it practically redefined the concept of a "celebrity watch." This wasn't just any Daytona; this was a piece of horological history, a "Panda Paul Newman," and its appearance on the show sent ripples through the collecting world. The guest, quite literally floored by the appraisal, became an instant participant in a story that intertwines celebrity, collecting, and the astronomical prices commanded by rare and desirable timepieces. This article delves into the specifics of this remarkable event, exploring the broader context of the Paul Newman Daytona, its history, its value, and the enduring fascination it holds for collectors worldwide.
The episode featuring the unexpectedly valuable Rolex Daytona highlighted not only the potential treasures hidden in attics and drawers but also the remarkable story behind the watch itself. The "Paul Newman" Daytona, officially the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, reference 6239 (and later iterations, including the 6241 and 6263), is far more than just a timekeeping instrument. It’s a cultural icon, inextricably linked to the legendary actor Paul Newman. While the exact details of how the actor acquired his specific Daytona remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, its association with him transformed a relatively obscure model into one of the most sought-after and valuable watches ever produced. Before its association with Newman, the 6239 Daytona, introduced in 1963, was a relatively understated chronograph, a practical tool for racing enthusiasts. Its design, featuring a tachymeter bezel and three sub-dials, was functional, but not particularly flashy.
The "Paul Newman" Daytona's unique features, primarily its exotic dial, set it apart. The "exotic" dials, often referred to as "Panda" dials due to their contrasting black and white sub-dials, possessed a distinct aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the more conventional Daytonas of the era. This unique dial configuration, with its unusual font and placement of the sub-registers, is what truly distinguishes these models and contributed significantly to their desirability amongst collectors. The exact number of these "exotic" dial Daytonas produced remains debated amongst experts, contributing further to their rarity and value.
Who Bought Paul Newman's Rolex?
The ultimate fate of Paul Newman's personal Rolex Daytona is a fascinating narrative in itself. Newman, a passionate car racer, wore the watch frequently, and it became a symbol of his persona. Upon his death in 2008, the watch, a reference 6239 with an "exotic" dial, was bequeathed to his daughter Nell Newman. She then, in a move that further cemented the watch's legendary status, auctioned it off at Phillips in New York in 2017. The sale generated unprecedented excitement, with collectors from around the globe vying for the opportunity to own a piece of cinematic and horological history. The final bid shattered previous records, selling for a staggering $17,752,500, making it the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction at the time. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating story. This sale not only established a new benchmark for the price of a Paul Newman Daytona but also reaffirmed its position as the most iconic and valuable watch in the world.
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