Paul Newman and Rolex Daytonas

The Paul Newman Daytona, a Rolex watch model, has gone down in history as a true icon. The background: A very special example of the timepiece was auctioned in 2017 as the "world's most expensive watch" for $17.8 million . The lucrative auction, which broke all records, attracted worldwide attention and instantly brought the Rolex Daytona series back into the spotlight of watch lovers around the world.

Paul Newman and Rolex Daytona – What connects the celebrity and the watch?

Paul Leonard Newman, born on January 26, 1925, in Ohio, served in the U.S. Navy as a soldier during World War II and subsequently embarked on a career that was unparalleled. Known as an actor and director, Newman was nominated for ten Oscars during his lifetime, thrilled audiences in films such as "The Color of Money," and was awarded an honorary Oscar for his lifetime achievement in 1986. He was also passionate about motor racing and placed great importance on social engagement. All profits from his food company "Newman's Own" went to social projects, while he worked with the nonprofit organization "Safe Water Network" to develop sustainable drinking water supplies for those in need. In short: Newman, who died in Connecticut in 2008, was a multi-talented, generous, and enthusiastic man who knew how to do good with his talents and the resulting financial resources. But what does this Paul Newman have to do with the Rolex Daytona?

This is easily explained. Newman owned a Daytona 6239, which he wore not only privately but also occasionally on camera. His wife, Joanne Woodward, also an Oscar-winning actress, had the words "Drive carefully. Me" engraved on the back of his watch. It was none other than this individually engraved watch, worn by Newman for decades, that changed hands for a record price in New York in 2017. To this day, the Rolex Daytona 6239 with the cream-colored "Exotic" dial is referred to as the Paul Newman Daytona and is one of the most coveted watches in the industry.

Incidentally, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the so-called "Big Red." He left this watch to his daughter, who sold it in 2020 for nearly $5.5 million and donated the entire proceeds to charity. A decision her father would certainly have supported.

Brief portrait: Characteristic features of the Rolex Daytona 6239

The high demand for authentic Paul Newman Daytona watches has resulted in the odd fake on the market. This makes it all the more important to know exactly how to identify an original Rolex Daytona 6239 before making a purchase. A particularly characteristic feature of this legendary timepiece is its "Exotic" dial in a sophisticated cream tone. The authentic model is as popular as it is rare: Because the "Exotic" version sold rather poorly during the production period of the Daytona 6239, only a comparatively small number were produced. Another distinguishing feature is the font of the numerals. On the Newman Daytona, these are designed in an extravagant "Art Deco" style, providing a characteristic that connoisseurs can use as a guide. And there is another aspect that can provide clues as to whether you are dealing with a genuine Newman Daytona: the subdials. Unlike the standard version, the Newman 6239's left subdials are divided into 15, 30, 45, and 60. This results in three distinguishing features of an authentic Paul Newton Daytona 6239:

• “Exotic” dial

• Numbers in “Art Deco” font

• Division 15, 30, 45, 60

It goes without saying that, despite all the caution and expertise required to identify authentic watches, watches in this price range should only be purchased from a reputable seller or dealer. After all, a professional, reputable source is the best guarantee of a genuine original.

Rolex Daytona 6263 “Big Red”: Paul Newman’s second watch

As mentioned above, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the 6263 model, dubbed the "Big Red." This name derives from the series name "Daytona," embossed in a curve in bright red. The "Big Red" is a sports watch with an extremely elegant character, featuring a 200 bph black tachymeter bezel and subdials that stand out visually thanks to deliberate use of contrast.

By the way: In addition to the "Big Red" and the 6239, the "John Player Special" Daytona with reference 6241 is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Newman Daytona. Don't be fooled: While any stylistically appropriate watch can, in principle, be advertised as a "Newman-look" model, only the 6239 with the "Exotic" dial and the 6263 with the black bezel are truly Paul Newman Daytonas.

Cost: How expensive are Paul Newman Rolex Daytona models?

Of course, vintage watches from the renowned Rolex brand are no bargains, as every watch lover knows. However, most of these iconic watches aren't as expensive as the Daytona timepiece actually worn by Paul Newman himself. On average, a Daytona 6239 with an "Exotic" dial commands around €400,000. Prices fluctuate depending on the condition of the product, meaning that less well-preserved pieces can occasionally be acquired for significantly less, although the upper price limit is completely open. The model with the reference 6263 is considerably cheaper again. The "Big Red" is sometimes offered for €50,000 to €70,000 – if you're lucky, you might find a really good deal, even for under €50,000. It remains to be said that both Newman Daytona watches are definitely in the higher price segment and thus appeal to a very specific customer group. However, the current selling prices are considerably below the record price of $17.8 million that the still-unknown bidder was once willing to pay for his Daytona 6239, worn by Newman.

Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – A watch makes history

The Rolex Daytona not only helps its wearer keep track of time, but its history also definitively demonstrates how times change. Once anything but a best-seller, the two Paul Newman Daytonas – the "Big Red" 6263 and the "Exotic" 6239 – are now among the most coveted and legendary timepieces of all time, proving that when celebrity meets the highest watchmaking craftsmanship, legends are born.