Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: circa 1970
    Reference No: 6263, caseback stamped 6240
    Case No: 2'849'466
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Paul Newman", "Panda"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee, end links stamped 49, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped U.S.A.
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    For discerning collectors and connoisseurs, to own a Paul Newman Daytona is an achievement many aspire to. Amongst this coveted family of watches, the Paul Newman Oyster “Panda”, with its captivating white main dial, contrasting black sub-dials and outer minute track, is especially sought after. To obtain a Paul Newman Panda originally retailed and signed by the prestigious retailer, Tiffany & Co., must therefore be considered an extraordinary accomplishment.
    We are thrilled to offer this previously unknown, fresh-to-the-auction market reference 6263 Tiffany Paul Newman Panda. According to scholarship, it is the only known and correct example of such a dial, making it one of the most important and valuable Cosmograph Daytonas in the collecting community.
    Mention the name Paul Newman and the general public visualizes the actor’s incredible talent on screen and stage, winning two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes, or as a prominent figure in the world of car racing. He won many races and was the second placed driver at the 1979 24 Hours Le Mans race. However, amongst horological aficionados, the name Paul Newman draws a revered silence and an increased heart rate. Rolex’s exotic dial for the Cosmograph Daytona, with its Art Deco-inspired flare, became known as the “Paul Newman” after the famous actor wore one for many years.
    The dial is considered as a “Mark II”, based on the configuration and print of the text. A recognizable trait of the exotic Paul Newman-style dials are their subsidiary dials. The art-deco style of the font used and the hash marks with small squares found on the subsidiary dial set these exotic dials apart from the more commonly seen standard dials. Fitted with an acrylic bezel, the reference is also recognized for its screw-down pushers for improved water resistance
    The condition of the present example is especially well preserved. The chronograph is further accompanied by a rare and beautiful Jubilee bracelet, adding an attractive twist to the watch’s sporty aesthetic. Its triple combination of rare and unusual designations make this Rolex 6263 a trophy watch worthy of a prominent place in the world’s finest collections.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 6263, caseback stamped 6240
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph with off-white dial, tachometer and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

circa 1970
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€230,000-459,000
$258,000-515,000

Sold for CHF874,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016