Rolex

1971 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6262) Black "Paul Newman" Dial

If you ask most vintage watch collectors what their ultimate "holy grail watch" is, many would answer the Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona without hesitation. Perhaps the most important watch and dial configuration in the whole vintage Rolex oeuvre, these watches have become arguably the most prestigious and valuable watches ever produced by Rolex. Also known as the Rolex Daytona exotic dial, these watches will forever be known to most as the "Paul Newman" as the famed actor, racer, and philanthropist Paul Newman famously wore a ref. 6239 Daytona with an exotic panda dial configuration as his personal watch.

In October of 2017, Paul Newman's personal exotic dial Daytona ref. 6239 was auctioned by Phillips Auction House in NYC for $17.75m, making it the most expensive Rolex wristwatch ever sold and solidifying its position as the brand’s ultimate icon and the halo piece of watch collecting. 

In 1970 Rolex introduced a new movement for the pump pusher Cosmograph range and subsequently introduced two new model references as well, the ref. 6262 and 6264. These two new models, which otherwise presented the same aesthetic characteristics as the 6239 and 6241 respectively, featured the brand new Valjoux cal. 727. This new movement operated at a more precise 21,000 beats per minute, an enhancement compared to the 18,000 bpm of the previous cal. 722-1 and 72b movements, and was used throughout the next model range of screw-down pusher Cosmograph Daytonas until 1987. As a result of this very transitional model run, the Rolex Daytona ref. 6262 is widely accepted as the Daytona with the lowest production numbers, only produced from 1970-1971. Its black bezel counterpart the ref. 6264 ceased production only a year later in 1972.

Stock #
RLXDT6262PN
Brand Rolex
Style Daytona
Model 6262
Serial 26XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Black / White / Red "Paul Newman"
Millimeters 36
Strap Rolex 78350 Oyster Bracelet W/ 571 End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The Rolex oyster case has been very gently polished in the past and retains full and symmetrical lugs that show minimal signs of use. The case retains its original stainless steel "Units Per Hour" bezel that is in overall excellent condition, appearing to be gently polished in the past and missing some of its black enamel which is extremely common. The case retains its original pump pushers and Rolex signed twin-lock crown. The case back is signed 6239 which is correct and original as Rolex case backs were interchangeable within the Cosmograph range in this era. The Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 571 end pieces is an 80s service unit and retains 12 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2 inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The exotic and truly rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" dial features a perfect combination of contrasts and color, the red accents are utilized to enhance the visibility perfectly and give the watch its iconic pop of color. The dial itself is in overall great condition, the most notable spot of age being a small spot of missing paint underneath the 12 o'clock hour marker that is mostly covered by the center chrono-hand when the chronograph is not in use. The white sub-dials feature some light aging as well. The tritium lume plots have taken on a handsome ivory patina, under U.V. light inspection only the 3 o'clock lume plot displays degradation, the other lume plots are fully intact. The original tritium hands have aged to a darker grey patina and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The sub-dial and chronograph hands all remain original to the watch.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.