Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1972
    Reference No: 6263, inner caseback stamped “6240”
    Case No: 3’048’324
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda MK 2"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7835, 19”, endlinks stamped “271”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex guarantee dated 27th July 1972, green leather holder, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Provenance: Previously sold in The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT on 11th November 2018, lot 215.

  • Provenance

    Previously sold in The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT on 11th November 2018, lot 215.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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, but the reference 6263 stands out with its striking black acrylic bezel.

    In its early examples, the "Paul Newman" dials featured a three-color scheme in red, white, and black, with a red Daytona signature above the 12-hour register at 6 o'clock. The dial variations included a white background with black subsidiary dials, and the reverse with a black background and white subsidiary dials. 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 MK 2 "Panda" dial, characterized by the serif fonts of the entire "Rolex Oyster Cosmograph" text. This dial iteration represents the final development and is part of the last batches of "Paul Newman" dials seen in the market.

    Just one case number away from this beauty, we had the privilege of offering another example with case number 3'048'323 in the Game Changers New York auction back in 2019, that watch also features the same pristine MK 2 dial as the present example.

    In outstanding overall condition, this watch's dial is exceptional, with no major marks, blemishes, or scratches present. The white grené surface of the dial is clean and bright, and the original luminous hour markers have aged to a beautiful ivory color while being remarkably well-preserved. The case retains the original "millerighe" pushers and is similarly well-preserved, exhibiting crisp proportions and only minor signs of wear.

    What sets this "Paul Newman Panda" apart is its inclusion of the original guarantee dated 27th July 1972 and its presentation box. As many examples of this watch are found without their accessories, this particular watch becomes a trophy timepiece among all Paul Newman Daytonas, making it particularly important and desirable for collectors.

  • 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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Property from an Important Asian Collector

1083

Ref. 6263, inner caseback stamped “6240”
A very well-preserved, attractive and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Paul Newman MK2 Panda" dial, bracelet, original guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1972
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$2,600,000 - 4,000,000 
€312,000-480,000
$333,000-513,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024