Experts of Rolex's practices considered that a white gold Daytona was unbelievable. On November 21, 2013 Hodinkee publishes an interview with the Italian specialized author John Goldberger who unveils rare pieces from his collection. The miracle occurs at 04:30 of the video inserted in that article : Goldberger wears on his wrist the only known example of a Daytona in white gold. There may have never been any other similar piece, not in white gold, nor in pink gold, nor in platinum.
This watch is a 6265. The Rolex archives retrieved the dates of its production, in 1970, and of its delivery to a German retailer in the following year. In 2018 Hodinkee observes that the crown has remained in stainless steel, probably indicating that the metal of the case has been changed in the factory. The reason for this special operation has not been found.
Paul Newman's Daytona was sold for $ 17.8M including premium by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo on October 26, 2017, demonstrating that an exceptional Rolex can fetch a sensational price. Goldberger decided to sell his 6265/9 entirely for the Children Action charity. It is estimated CHF 3M for sale on May 12 in Geneva by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo, lot 8.
Gold is heavier than stainless steel and it was the unusual weight of this 6265 that attracted Goldberger many years ago when he inspected it before buying.
Please watch the video shared by Pucci Papaleo, the curator appointed by Phillips for this 32-lot Daytona Ultimatum auction.
SOLD for CHF 5.9M including premium
Join us tonight from our 450 Park Avenue galleries in #NewYork for an exclusive panel discussion with @phillipswatches very own Paul Boutros, Rob Ronen of Material Good and Ben Clymer of @Hodinkee about legacy and history in the world of vintage watches: https://t.co/o6EfjsacQP pic.twitter.com/PbuqysadJ0
— P H I L L I P S (@phillipsauction) April 26, 2018