This November, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will celebrate a decade of watch auctions with the Decade One (2015-2025) thematic sale at the Hôtel Président in Geneva. This landmark sale marks the successful first 10 years of the Phillips Watches department, reflecting on the remarkable watches, record-breaking results, and new scholarship that have shaped Phillips Watches since its inaugural auction in 2015.
– By Logan Baker
Few watches have defined the last few decades of collecting like the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Beloved for its racing heritage, aesthetic evolution, and near-mythic desirability, the Daytona has set countless auction records and captured the imagination of generations of collectors.
The Phillips Decade One auction brings together a curated group of significant examples – from golden-era Paul Newman models to an early automatic prototype – illustrating the enduring appeal and historical depth of Rolex’s celebrated chronograph.
Lot 34: A Circa 1967 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6239 ‘The Golden Pagoda’ in 18k Yellow Gold
Estimate: CHF 500,000 – 1,000,000
With reference 6239, Rolex launched what would become its most iconic and collectible family of chronographs: the Cosmograph Daytona. First released in the United States in 1963 and in Europe the following year, the model was conceived with the American racing scene in mind. Even its name, “Daytona,” chosen over the originally planned “Le Mans,” reflects that connection.
This example, with its champagne dial and gold graphics set within sunken subsidiary registers, was among the most luxurious Cosmographs of the late 1960s – and remains one of the most glamorous variations of the beloved “Paul Newman” dial. Reference 6239 was almost never produced in gold; of roughly 14,000 examples made, only about 300 were cased in yellow gold.
The watch offered here is not only one of the best-preserved yellow gold 6239s known, but also one of the most complete. Its case retains original lines and edges, with the sharp curves and crisp satin finishes that would have softened if it even received a light polishing. The presence of the original Rolex sticker on the caseback, paired with an interior caseback free of service marks, further underscores its untouched state.
The dial is equally remarkable. Its luminous plots remain intact and perfectly round, and the larger, slightly slanted “T Swiss T” signature at 6 o’clock is correct for the 1.7 million serial range. The champagne tone has aged beautifully, and the gold graphics – characteristic of references 6239 and 6241 – show none of the later white printing found on subsequent versions.
This watch also boasts notable provenance, having appeared at Phillips’ landmark Daytona Ultimatum thematic sale in Geneva on 12 May 2018.
Owning a reference 6239 with a champagne “Paul Newman” dial is a dream for many collectors. Finding one in such extraordinary condition, with an immaculate dial and untouched case, is virtually unheard of.
Lot 70: A Circa 1971 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6263 ‘Oyster Sotto, RCO’ in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 400,000 – 800,000
Among all steel Paul Newman Daytonas, none is rarer or more coveted than the “Oyster Sotto.” Fewer than 30 are believed to exist, making any appearance on the market a major event.
This newly discovered example spent most of its life in a single family before being acquired by the present consignor a few years ago. Given the scarcity of these watches, the reemergence of a previously unknown piece is increasingly rare – and almost unheard of in such remarkable condition. The case retains its original architecture, and the dial is superb, with a flawless surface, crisp graphics, and tritium accents that have aged to an attractive light ivory tone. Adding to its appeal, the watch is accompanied by its original Warranty, a detail that will delight even the most exacting collector.
The nickname “Oyster Sotto” – Italian for “Oyster Underneath” – refers to the unusual dial layout, which reads “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster” rather than the typical “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” found on screw-down pusher Daytonas. This anomaly traces back to the introduction of reference 6263, the first Cosmograph Daytona with waterproof screw-down pushers. Dials originally produced for the non-Oyster references 6262 and 6264 bore only “Rolex Cosmograph.” When repurposed for the new waterproof model, the word “Oyster” was added beneath the existing text. As a result, the “Oyster” printing differs in style, lacking serifs and appearing less consistent with the rest of the typography.
Oyster Sotto dials are exclusive to reference 6263, unlike the white “Paul Newman Panda” variant, which appears on both the 6263 and 6265 and ranks as the second most sought-after steel Paul Newman configuration. Known examples fall within the high 2.0 million to low 2.2 million serial range and were produced in two distinct batches, each with subtle font variations. This watch features a Mk I dial, defined by its more delicate serifs.
In such outstanding condition and with exceptional provenance, this Oyster Sotto represents the pinnacle for collectors of historically significant Daytonas – a true crown jewel in the world of vintage Rolex.
Lot 170: A Circa 1969 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6241 with ‘Champagne’ Dial in 14k Yellow Gold
Estimate: CHF 350,000 – 700,000
Daytona chronographs with “Paul Newman” dials are rare, but reference 6241 ranks among the rarest of all. Produced for only about three years, from 1966 to 1969, approximately 2,000 were made in stainless steel, with roughly one-third in yellow gold. The watch offered here belongs to the ultra-rare 14k yellow gold series produced primarily for the U.S. market, confirmed by the “ROW” import stamp on the movement. Most were manufactured in a single batch and fitted with either black or champagne exotic dials, or standard dials.
Reference 6241 introduced several notable design changes. A small crown guard beneath the winding crown improved access to the Valjoux calibre 722, while a new bezel combined a metal ring with a black acrylic insert printed with a white tachymeter scale. From this reference onward, “Daytona” officially appeared on the dial, and the “T SWISS T” marking at 6 o’clock indicated the use of tritium for the luminous hands and hour markers.
This bi-color “Paul Newman” dial is correct for serial number 2,112,976, which falls squarely within a known batch of examples sharing this configuration. Other documented watches with the same dial include 2,112,911, 2,112,935, 2,112,936, 2,112,949, and 2,112,960.
The warmth of the 14k yellow gold case pairs beautifully with the star of the show: a cream-colored grené dial framed by the black acrylic bezel. Its bold graphics and sharp details remain in exceptional condition, with all luminous plots intact and perfectly round.
Paul Newman Daytonas in such original and well-preserved condition are exceedingly rare – and the 14k gold variant is rarer still. This is a rare chance to acquire a trophy example of one of the most sought-after Cosmograph Daytonas ever made.
Lot 167: A Circa 1969 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6239 with ‘Musketeer’ Dial in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 150,000 – 300,000
This superb example of reference 6239 stands out for two remarkable features.
The first is its extremely rare “Musketeer” dial, one of the most coveted variants of the “Paul Newman” design. Standard Paul Newman dials feature a full concentric circle pattern (azurage) across the entire sunken sub-dials, which drop vertically to meet the dial surface. Musketeer dials, by contrast, show azurage across only two-thirds of the sub-dials. The remaining outer sector is smooth and slopes gently upward toward the main dial – a striking departure from the standard layout. The example offered here is exceptionally well preserved, with intact luminous plots showing a soft patina and an outer minute track that has aged with unusual grace. Known Musketeer dials appear across the 2.0 million serial range, with examples sold by Phillips spanning from 2,036,574 to 2,737,249.
The second noteworthy feature is found inside the caseback, which is stamped with the never-produced reference 6242. Rolex often used non-matching reference numbers on the inside of vintage Daytona casebacks – a well-documented quirk that adds intrigue for collectors. In this case, however, the number points to something even more unusual: 6242 is believed to have been intended for the prototype Yacht-Master, a Daytona-based model that was never commercially released and whose surviving prototype also bears the same internal reference.
Beyond these details, the watch itself is in outstanding condition. The dial remains virtually pristine, with untouched tritium accents that have developed a warm hue over time and a surface free from notable blemishes.
A rare Musketeer dial paired with an enigmatic 6242 caseback makes this ref. 6239 a particularly desirable example – one that combines aesthetic rarity, historical intrigue, and superb preservation.
Lot 33: A Circa 1988 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16520 with ‘Prototype’ Dial in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 200,000 – 400,000
In the mid-1980s, Rolex undertook a complete redesign of the Daytona, the most significant change being the adoption of an automatic movement based on Zenith’s El Primero. As with any major evolution, the brand experimented extensively before finalizing the production design.
The present reference 16520 is fitted with one of these rare early prototype dials produced by Beyeler. It retains baton hour markers and sub-dials closely resembling those of the outgoing references 6263 and 6265, and the “Rolex” and “Oyster” printing follows a similar style. The “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation reflects what would appear on the final model. Notably, two familiar inscriptions are absent: “Perpetual,” which would later follow “Oyster,” and “Daytona” above the 6 o’clock sub-dial. Instead, the dial simply reads “Cosmograph.”
Adding further interest, this watch is fitted with a bezel graduated to 225 units – a feature seen only briefly on the earliest L-series examples.
Launched in 1988, the reference 16520 marked a pivotal moment for Rolex as the first Daytona powered by an automatic movement. Its combination of functionality, innovation, and timeless design transformed the model into a global phenomenon. This early prototype offers a rare glimpse into the development process behind one of Rolex’s most important modern chronographs.
Lot 31: A Circa 1966 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6241 in 14k Yellow Gold with 'Champagne' Dial
Estimate: CHF 150,000 - 300,000
The present watch is a superb example of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 – one of the rarest Daytona references ever produced. Introduced in 1966 and discontinued just three years later, reference 6241 was made in very limited numbers, with only a few hundred examples believed to exist. This 14k yellow gold version is especially desirable, as it was produced for the U.S. market.
Bearing serial number 1,533,969, this watch sits just a few digits away from the celebrated “Copper Tone” example featured in Pucci Papaleo’s Ultimate Rolex Daytona and sold by Phillips at The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE on 15 May 2016.
Its champagne dial glows with warm copper tones under the light, perfectly complementing the 14k gold case. Unusually, the subsidiary dials feature crisp white printing instead of the more common gilt, adding another layer of rarity. The “T SWISS T” marking at 6 o’clock confirms the use of tritium for the hands and luminous hour markers.
The case retains sharp hallmarks on the underside of the lugs – an uncommon detail after nearly half a century. Inside, the Valjoux 722 movement is stamped “ROW,” an import code confirming delivery to the U.S. market.
Sporty yet refined, this watch survives in excellent overall condition. Its rarity, beauty, and historical importance make it a true trophy for the most discerning Daytona collectors.
Lot 86: A Circa 1967 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6241 'Paul Newman' in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 150,000 - 300,000
Produced from roughly 1966 to 1969, reference 6241 is among the rarest Daytona models, with no more than 3,000 examples believed to have been made – and only a fraction fitted with “Paul Newman” dials.
The watch offered here is an exceptional example, featuring a black dial with white outer registers and a vivid red minute track. Its cherry-red “Daytona” signature leaps from the deep black background, while the step between the minute track and the main dial remains sharply defined. Most surviving examples show signs of age, but this dial is remarkably well preserved, free of blemishes, with intact luminous plots that have developed a warm patina. Dials in such condition are exceedingly rare on the market.
The provenance of this watch makes it even more compelling. Its original owner was a senior Kuwaiti government official and accomplished swimmer who competed in the 1969 Capri-Napoli marathon – the first time Kuwait participated in the event. After finishing among the victors, he received this watch as a gift from Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in recognition of his achievements. Worn only on special occasions, the watch remained virtually untouched for decades and is presented today in excellent condition.
Additional details include the correct Mk 1 bezel, which gives the watch strong wrist presence, and a case that retains bold proportions and a crisp caseback finish. With its remarkable state of preservation, distinguished provenance, and coveted “Paul Newman” dial, this reference 6241 is a true trophy for serious Daytona collectors.
Lot 204: A Circa 1988 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16520 in Stainless Steel with 'Floating Porcelain' Dial
Estimate: CHF 100,000 - 200,000
A true mint-condition example, this “Floating Cosmograph” Daytona stands out for its remarkable state of preservation. Originally sold in Japan, as confirmed by its complete set of Rolex Japan documents, the watch remains virtually untouched. The case and dial are pristine, the luminous accents flawless, and the original caseback sticker intact.
Introduced at Baselworld in 1988 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Daytona, reference 16520 was Rolex’s first self-winding chronograph. It housed a heavily modified version of Zenith’s El Primero movement and quickly became a collector favorite – especially the early and highly coveted “R” series examples, such as the watch offered here.
The “Floating Cosmograph” nickname refers to the distinctive dial layout on these early pieces, where the “Cosmograph” text is spaced slightly apart from the four lines above it, appearing to float toward the center. Another signature trait of these early dials is the inverted “6” on the 6 o’clock sub-dial, a detail used until the early 1990s and now highly prized by collectors. These floating dials were produced only briefly before Rolex replaced them with so-called “four-line” dials that omitted “Officially Certified.” Soon after, Rolex reverted to a five-line layout, this time with all the text consolidated.
The reference 16520 also marked a shift in design, becoming the first Daytona fitted with a sapphire crystal and increasing the case size to 40 mm. Early examples, including this one, were equipped with a rare bezel graduated to 200 units, later updated to 400.
With its untouched condition, complete Japanese-supplied documentation, and rare early dial configuration, this “Floating Cosmograph” is one of the finest examples of the landmark reference 16520 to surface in recent years.
Lot 84: A Circa 1983 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 in 18k Yellow Gold
Estimate: CHF 100,000 - 200,000
Reference 6263 is a cornerstone of Rolex history and one of the most beloved Daytona models ever made. It inherited the black acrylic bezel and screw-down pushers of reference 6240, while elevating the movement to the COSC-certified calibre 727 – proudly noted on the dial.
Designed as a tool for professional drivers and athletes, the Cosmograph Daytona was primarily produced in stainless steel. Gold examples, with their heavier weight and more opulent presence, fell outside this utilitarian ethos and were less popular when new. That initial indifference translates today into their rarity and desirability among collectors.
The present example is a prime representative of these scarce gold models. Its champagne dial with black subsidiary registers perfectly complements the gold case and black bezel, creating a striking and harmonious aesthetic. The dial itself is among the best preserved seen on this reference, featuring flawless luminous accents that have aged to a rich camel hue, a spotless surface, and crisp, intact printing.
Adding to its appeal, the watch is accompanied by its original Guarantee dated 31 July 1985, product literature, presentation box, and outer packaging – details that make this already rare reference an exceptional collector’s prize.
Lot 36: A Circa 1973 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 in Stainless Steel with 'Big Eyes' Registers
Estimate: CHF 70,000 - 140,000
In 1969, Rolex introduced references 6263 and 6265 as successors to the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. Both models featured screw-down chronograph pushers that improved water resistance to 50 meters. The 6263 distinguished itself with a black acrylic bezel insert and white tachymeter scale – a functional and aesthetic hallmark that would become a defining feature of the model.
Produced for nearly two decades in both stainless steel and gold, these references offered a range of options for collectors.
The present example of reference 6263 stands out for several rare and noteworthy traits. Most striking is its dial, believed to be part of a small run of experimental or test dials, with sub-registers noticeably larger than standard. This unusual configuration has earned the nickname “Big Eye” among Daytona collectors, with the “T Swiss T” signature positioned unusually close to the bottom register.
Another distinctive feature is the lower placement of the “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” text on the dial, setting it apart from standard production examples. Combined with its sharp condition and striking dial configuration, this rare “Big Eye” reference 6263 is a highly collectible watch that will appeal to the most discerning Daytona connoisseurs.
Lot 81: A Circa 1983 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 'Big Red' in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 60,000 - 120,000
Introduced in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 replaced the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. These second-generation Daytonas featured screw-down pushers and carried the “Oyster” designation on the dial, improving water resistance. They were offered in stainless steel or gold and upgraded from the Valjoux 722 movement to the more robust Valjoux 727.
Produced toward the end of the reference’s production run, the present watch remains exactly as it left the Rolex factory more than 40 years ago. Its pushers, Oyster Triplock crown, and iconic “Big Red” Daytona dial are all hallmarks of the manual-wind Daytona. The silvered dial is superbly preserved, with all luminous plots present and intact, now aged to a warm patina that matches the hands. The dial itself shows a subtle ivory hue, adding depth and character.
The watch is in outstanding overall condition, with thick, full lugs, original proportions, and a bezel that remains sharp with only minimal signs of age. It is further accompanied by its Rolex punched Guarantee, product literature, wallet, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging – details that elevate this already pristine example into a highly collectible piece of Daytona history.
Lot 169: A Circa 1985 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6265 'Big Red' in Stainless Steel
Estimate: CHF 55,000 - 110,000
Introduced in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 replaced the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. Reference 6265 debuted in 1969 and remained in production until the late 1980s. Compared to the first-generation Daytona, it featured screw-down pushers and carried the “Oyster” designation on the dial, improving water resistance. The movement was also upgraded from the Valjoux 722 to the more robust Valjoux 727, and the model was offered in both stainless steel and gold.
The present watch is an outstanding example, preserved in excellent and remarkably sharp condition. The dial is crisp and flawless, with luminous plots that remain perfectly round and intact – a rare detail, as they often degrade or fall off over time. The case retains sharp edges and well-defined facets, further underscoring its exceptional state of preservation. Completing the package, the watch is accompanied by its Rolex Guarantee dated 8 July 1985, along with its presentation box and outer packaging.
You can view the complete Phillips Decade One (2015-2025) auction catalogue here.