This example, also known as the "John Player Special" is quite literally, breathtaking. The correct yellow gold Oyster bracelet stamped 1.69 is in terrific condition and is original to the watch. The case is extraordinary, with the correct satin finishes and extremely crisp milled band to the case back. The reference and case numbers can be seen without the aid of a loupe, and the black insert has hardly any sign of wear. Then, we come to the dial. This "Paul Newman" dial is remarkable. The step is very prominent, the concentric circles within the subsidiary dials clearly visible. The luminous dots sit wonderfully on the outer track, but then overlap to reveal the step and sit on top of the black center of the dial.

All of these features come together and present us with a mind blowing "John Player Special".

The Rolex Daytona was first introduced in 1963 in the form of the reference 6239. Over the past 50 years, the Daytona has evolved and Rolex has manufactured many references with different dials and case configuration. Of the Daytona series, the most collectible and sought after variants are those fitted with exotic dials or as the market has lovely nicknamed them ‘Paul Newman’ dials.

Most commonly found, mounted on a reference 6239, those fitted to the rarer references has sky rocketed in value in recent years, mainly due to the knowledge on the market.

The present lot, a Rolex Daytona reference 6264 was manufactured for roughly 3 years only, being introduced in the late 1960s and discontinued in approximately 1972. The condition and quality is outstanding and places this ‘Paul Newman’ at the very top of the tree.