Very few watches are as recognizable, cherished, and discussed as the “Paul Newman” Daytona. With its history from relative obscurity in the 1960s and 1970s, to the early 21st-century as being the number one most sought after collectors’ watch, it is an iconic timepiece, which few will own, but all will appreciate.
The reference 6263 evolved from earlier models, inheriting features from the reference 6240, the first Daytona fitted with screw down pushers, making the case fully waterproof and earning it the designation of “Oyster”. Introduced in 1969 along with its companion piece the reference 6265, both models featured the upgraded caliber 727, and while the reference 6263 sported a black acrylic bezel, the reference 6265 had a metal bezel with tachymeter.
Rolex’s “exotic” dial, now known as the “Paul Newman” dial, was introduced in the late 1960s in the reference 6239 with a lukewarm reception. Produced for only a few short years, it was not until the 21st century that demand for these timepieces became meteoric. Early “Paul Newman” dials featured a three color scheme in red, white and black with a red Daytona signature over the 12-hour register at the 6 o’clock. This combination included dials with a white background and black subsidiary dials and the reverse with black background and white subsidiary dials. As the Rolex Daytona chronograph evolved, so too did the exotic dial and by the late 1960s, the transitional references 6262 and 6264 featured a two color dial in black and white, with the red outer scale removed and replaced with white marks.
With the reference 6263 a slight but perceivable shift was made and the “Paul Newman Panda" dial was born. Named for the beloved Chinese Panda bear, this highly appealing dial style resembled the face of the bear and today is considered by many to be the most beautiful and classic of all the exotic dials. The red Daytona signature at 6 o’clock was removed and the stark white and black dial perfectly played of the black acrylic bezel.
We are delighted to offer the present example with Mark 1.5 dial, based on the configuration and print of the text, in such original and complete condition.
The dial of the present lot is a pleasure to behold. Its zen like serenity is further enhanced thanks to the lack of unnecessary inscriptions, the art-deco style of the font used and the hash marks with small squares found on the subsidiary dial are also characteristic of “Paul Newman” style dials. Adding further to its desirability is the fact that the outer minute track has turned a harmonious brown "tropical" color. It is interesting to underline the rare presence of the “millerighe” pushers.
The combination of rarity, quality and good looks make this Rolex 6263 a trophy watch worthy of a prominent place in the world’s finest collections.
