Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1972 Reference No: 6263 inside caseback stamped 6240 Case No: 3'048'324 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Paul Newman Panda" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted box, original Guarantee dated July 27, 1972 and product literature
Catalogue Essay
Without any hesitation we can affirm that the Rolex Daytona is the “hottest” watch on the auction market today. Models bearing the “Paul Newman” dial are ever more appealing, however the combination of screwed pushers and the word Oyster printed on the dial take the desirability level to new heights.
The present reference 6263 features a “Panda” MK 2 dial. Paul Newman dials that feature a white dial with black subdials are referred to as “Panda” as they mimic the color scheme of the face of the delightful bear. These Paul Newman "Pandas" generally feature four subtly different dial configurations in accordance to the serial number, the MK2 being a version with sharp serifs on all the letters.
This timepiece not only entices thanks to its spectacular condition with strong case, original “millerighe” pushers and immaculate dial, but also thanks to the fact that it comes with its original guarantee dated July 27, 1972, product literature and original fitted box.
It is difficult to explain the relative lack of appeal of the Exotic dial Daytonas upon their launch, considering how modern and balanced these dials are. Was it because of a dial layout that was too Bauhaus and did not have enough 60/70s suave coolness? Whatever the reason few models with this dial were produced, making them particularly rare.
The dial of the present reference 6263 is a pleasure to behold. It is free of blemishes or tarnishing, the counters are sunken in, and the ivory ‘deco-style’ graphics are clear and defined. The luminous dots are round, intact and have aged with warm patina, matching the hands. The black registers have turned a surprising and subtle tone of "caviar" black enhancing the dial's beauty.
In overall spectacular condition and being offered as a “full set” the present Daytona “Paul Newman” will certainly find its place as prized possession of a savvy collector.
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.
Ref. 6263 inside caseback stamped 6240 A very well-preserved and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Mark 2 "Paul Newman" dial and bracelet with original guarantee and box
1972 37mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed