Rolex - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 6263, inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 2’200’241
    Model Name: Rolex Oyster Cosmograph, “Paul Newman Panda”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Oyster, reference 7835, end links stamped 71N, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 4.67
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: The present example is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona, by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 608

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present reference 6263 is truly an exceptional example of a Rolex “Paul Newman” Cosmograph, named after the famous actor who had been known to sport one. Nicknamed the “Panda”, it has an off-white matte dial that contrasts sharply with the black subsidiary dials and outer chapter ring. Most amazingly, the dial’s outer 1/5 seconds division track has aged to a hypnotizing tone of orange-caramel. To call it a “tropical” dial is an understatement. The manner with which this aging has developed, being so uniform and attractive, adds a level of uniqueness to this already extremely rare collectors watch, that it elevates it into a whole new level of collectibility.

    It can therefore be safely considered to be one of the most beautiful and important Oyster Cosmograph Paul Newman Panda examples to have appeared on the market.

    The dial amongst collectors is referenced as a “Mark II”, based on the configuration and print of the text. Additionally, a recognizable trait of reference 6263 would be the subsidiary dials. The art-deco style of the font used and the hash marks with small squares found on the subsidiary dial are characteristic of “Paul Newman” style dials. Fitted with an acrylic bezel, the reference is also recognized for its screw-down pushers for improved water resistance.

    The present watch was lovingly cared for over the course of its nearly 50-year life. It is fitted with a beautiful Oyster bracelet, which adds to the watch’s sporty aesthetic. In the world of vintage watches where a Rolex Daytona is a must have, an example with a “Paul Newman” dial is a dream. A “Tropical” Oyster Paul Newman Panda such as the present lot is clearly above that, making this one of the ultimate watches a Rolex aficionado can acquire.

    It is a common saying to ‘save the best for last’ and in this instance one can really not argue, as the world’s leading scholar of rare Daytonas, Pucci Papaleo, has chosen this spectacular example as the last watch to be illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona.

  • 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, inside caseback stamped 6239
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph with off-white dial, ‘tropical’ outer minute track, tachometer bezel and bracelet.

1969
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 600,000 

Sold for CHF929,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016