What makes a watch legendary? Is it the history it made, its design's originality, or merely the person who appeals to many who choose the timepiece as their own? The Rolex Cosmograph “Paul Newman” fits into all the above. A combination of one of the world’s leading manufacture, a world-renowned racetrack, and one of Hollywood’s most prominent and finest actor Paul Newman, the Rolex Cosmograph fitted with an exotic Paul Newman dial has gone from relative obscurity in the 1960s and 1970s, to being the most sought after collectors’ choice amongst vintage chronographs till this day. A legacy for sixty years and counting, it is considered to many as grails that few will own, especially for the ones that retain its original flavour and good looks. This Rolex Cosmograph Paul Newman ref. 6265 with the desirable panda dial will undoubtedly satisfy a discerned collector.

Reference 6265 was introduced to the market in approximately 1969 and ceased production in the late 1980s. The model features screw-down pushers and thus carries an "Oyster" designation on the dial. It is powered by calibre 727, a Rolex upgrade of Valjoux calibre 72 and the final evolution of this movement (following cal. 72A, 72B, 722, and 722-1). From the late 80s, with reference 16520, Rolex started to employ an El Primero-based Cal. 4030 movement in the Cosmograph.

The present example bearing a 2’849’XXX case serial falls into the batch of circa 1971 and is all period-matching according to our research. Well-preserved with a stainless steel Oyster case, the timepiece features a stunning 'panda' Paul Newman dial with sharp serifs of the “Oyster Cosmograph” showing clearly under the view of the loupe and the lume plots remain intact on the dial have further aged with a desirable warm yellow hue, presenting a delicate balance of cream and black colour scheme of the dial that are further complimented with the period-matching screw-down pushers, bezel and bracelet.

This present lot is a remarkable specimen that stood the test of time in both respect of historical importance and the state of preservation. Reference 6265, with a hall of fame status, will be a satisfying addition to a long-term collection.