The Paul Newman Daytona, a watch model of the Rolex brand, went down in history as a true icon. The background: A very special example of the timepiece was auctioned off in 2017 as the “most expensive watch in the world” for 17.8 million US dollars. The lucrative auction, which broke all records, caused a worldwide sensation and abruptly brought the Rolex Daytona series back to the centre of attention of watch lovers all over the world.

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

Paul Leonard Newman, born on 26 January 1925 in Ohio, supported the US Navy as a soldier in the Second World War and subsequently embarked on a career that was second to none. Known as an actor and director, Newman was nominated for ten Oscars during his lifetime, wowed audiences in such films as “The Colour of Money” and was awarded an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 1986. In addition, he was passionate about racing and attached great importance to social commitment. All the profits from his food company “Newman’s Own” went to social projects, while he worked with the non-profit organisation “Safe Water Network” to develop sustainable drinking water supply routes for those in need. In short: Newman, who died in Connecticut in 2008, was a versatile, 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?

That is easy to explain. Newman owned a Daytona 6239, which he wore not only in private, but sometimes also in front of the camera. On the back of his watch, his wife Joanne Woodward, also an Oscar-winning actress, had the words “Drive carefully. Me” engraved on the back. 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-coloured “Exotic” dial is known as the Paul Newman Daytona and is one of the most coveted watches on the scene.

Incidentally, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the so-called “Big Red”. He bequeathed this watch to his daughter, who sold the good piece in 2020 for almost 5.5 million US dollars and donated the entire proceeds to charity. A decision that her father would certainly have supported.

Short portrait: Characteristics of the Rolex Daytona 6239

The great demand for genuine Paul Newman Daytona watches means that there are now some fakes on the market. It is therefore all the more important to know exactly how to recognise an original Rolex Daytona 6239 before making a purchase. A particularly characteristic feature of the legendary timepiece is the “Exotic” dial in a noble shade of cream. This authentic model is as popular as it is rare: Because the “Exotic” version sold rather poorly when the Daytona 6239 was manufactured, only a comparatively small number of pieces were produced. Another distinguishing feature is the font of the numerals. On the Newman Daytona, these are in an extravagant “Art Deco” style and are thus a characteristic for connoisseurs to orient themselves by. 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 left-hand totaliser of the Newman 6239 is graduated in 15, 30, 45 and 60, giving you three valid identifiers of an authentic Paul Newton Daytona 6239:

– “Exotic” dial

– Numerals in “Art Deco” script

– Graduation 15, 30, 45, 60

It goes without saying that watches in this price range should only be purchased from a reputable seller or dealer, despite all caution and know-how in the matter of original identification. After all, a professional, reputable source is the best guarantee of a genuine original.

Rolex Daytona 6263 “Big Red”: The second watch of Paul Newman

As already mentioned, Newman owned a second Rolex Daytona, the model 6263, called “Big Red”. This name is derived from the series name “Daytona” embossed in a curve in brilliant red. The “Big Red” is a sports watch with an extremely elegant character and features a 200-unit-per-hour black tachymeter bezel as well as subdials that stand out visually thanks to deliberate use of contrast.

Incidentally, in addition to the “Big Red” and the 6239, the “John Player Special” Daytona with the reference 6241 is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Newman Daytona. One should not be deceived here: Although in principle any stylistically reasonably suitable watch can be advertised as a model with the “Newman look”, only the 6239 with “Exotic” dial and the 6263 with black bezel are truly Paul Newman Daytonas.

Cost point: How expensive are Paul Newman Rolex Daytona models?

Of course, vintage watches from the renowned Rolex brand are no bargains, as every watch lover is aware. However, most of the iconic movements do not go over the counter quite as expensively as the Daytona timepiece that was actually worn by Paul Newman himself. On average, a Daytona 6239 with an “exotic” dial costs around €400,000. The prices fluctuate depending on the condition of the products, so that less well-preserved pieces can sometimes be found at much lower prices, although the price limits are completely open. The model with the reference 6263 is even cheaper. The “Big Red” is sometimes offered for between 50,000€ and 70,000€ – if you’re lucky, you’ll come across a really good deal and even be 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 special customer group. However, the current sale prices are considerably lower than the record price of 17.8 million US dollars that the still unknown bidder was once prepared 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 shows how times change. Once anything but a best-seller, the two Paul Newman Daytonas – “Big Red” 6263 and “Exotic” 6239 – are now among the most sought-after and legendary timepieces of all and prove it: When celebrities and the highest watchmaking skills meet, legends are born.