30
Rolex
Ref. 6263
Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda”
An important, well-preserved, and highly desirable stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and exotic “Paul Newman Panda” dial
Full-Cataloguing
• Beautifully preserved Paul Newman “Panda” dial
• Mark 1 “millerighe” pushers, Mark 1.5 dial
• Second appearance at auction, was purchased by consignor from the original owner at auction in 2017
The reference 6263 inherited features from its predecessor, the reference 6240, which was the first Daytona to feature screw-down pushers, making the case fully waterproof and earning it the "Oyster" designation. Introduced in 1969 alongside the reference 6265, both models featured the upgraded caliber 727.
As the Rolex Daytona chronograph evolved, so did the "exotic" dial, with transitional references 6262 and 6264 featuring a two-color black and white dial, without the red outer scale. However, the reference 6263 marked a slight but noticeable shift, giving birth to the highly sought-after "Paul Newman" Panda dial. This dial style, resembling the face of a panda, is considered by many to be the most beautiful and classic of all "exotic" dials. The red Daytona signature at 6 o'clock was removed, and the stark monochromatic white and black dial perfectly complemented the black acrylic bezel.
The present reference 6263 features a stunning Mark 1.5 "Panda" dial, characterized by the serif fonts of the entire "Rolex Oyster Cosmograph" text. The well-preserved Mark 1 “millerighe” pushers fitted to the watch, notable for their flat ridges, are crisp and original, as is the bezel. It has been preserved in stunning condition, with a flawless creamy white main dial, perfectly formed and intact beige-gold luminous material.
The watch was purchased by the current consignor at auction with Phillips in 2017, where it was offered by the original Japanese owner. Since then it has remained in the same condition as an important trophy watch for the consignor, a renowned collector of best-quality timepieces from original owners. Now coming to market for the first time in 9 years, it is an exceptional opportunity to own a “two-owner” Paul Newman Panda in beautifully original and impeccably preserved condition.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.