Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1971
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 2’653’869, inside caseback stamped “6239”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7835. 19”, endlinks stamped “271”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “1.71”
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Joalheria William LTDA Sao Paulo dated 4th December 1974.
    Provenance: Previously sold in Rolex Milestones on 28th November 2016, lot 833.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 6263 Paul Newman 'Panda', please see the Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 352.

  • Provenance

    Previously sold in Rolex Milestones on 28th November 2016, lot 833.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The ‘Paul Newman’ has become one of the most fashionable and discerning chronograph wristwatches among Rolex collectors today. The unusual dial layout, coupled with ‘matchstick’ registers, is instantly recognizable upon a glance. The Paul Newman reference 6263 generally features either a white or black dial. Those fitted with a white dial and black subsidiary registers, such as the present watch, are given the moniker ‘Panda’, due to its color scheme that mimics its namesake. In contrast, those fitted with a black dial, white registers and a red outer track are dubbed ‘Oyster Sotto’, due to the dial configuration of the watch.

    While the 'Panda' is considered a vintage grail wristwatch, its appearance is still incredibly modern today. Due to the reference's unpopularity at the time of production, only very limited number of pieces were ever manufactured. Many retailers had 'Paul Newmans' sitting in stock years after its production. As such, the model is much rarer compared to its non-Paul Newman counterparts.

    The present Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6263 features a desirable MK 2 dial displaying the beloved sharp serifs of the “Oyster Cosmograph” graphics. Coupled with the MK 1 period correct pushers considering the serial of the timepiece. Preserved with a stunning contrast of the exotic panda dial, encircling the dial is an outer track that has aged with the most incredible vintage charm. Aged with years of enjoyment, the track has developed a warm tropical hue that reminds one of the delicious chocolate shade. A sight to behold, the case is wonderful with sharp edges and milled finish. The watch furthermore retains its original bracelet, stamped for the first quarter of 1971. Rarer still is the presence of the original punched guarantee from South America dated 4 December 1974, which brings the watch to another level in terms of collectability.

  • 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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1043

Ref. 6263
A fine, rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial, “tropical” outer minute track, bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1971
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000 
€444,000-666,000
$513,000-769,000

Sold for HK$8,962,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021