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.