ROLEX
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Time pieces Modern watches
Chronology : 1968
See also : Time pieces Modern watches
Chronology : 1968
1942 Rolex 4113
2016 SOLD for CHF 2.4M by Phillips
Founded in 1905, the Rolex company is early specializing in wristwatches. The developments include miniaturization and sealing. Rolex will be a brand of sport watches and the company will sponsor the events. Thus in 1927 there is a Rolex on the wrist of a young woman who swims across the Channel. In 1935, another unit accompanies Malcolm Campbell in his automobile speed record at 482 km/h in Daytona.
The 4113, made in twelve units in 1942, is far ahead of all other models of the brand.
This stainless steel 'antimagnétique' wristwatch with a highly readable oversized dial 44 mm in diameter includes one of the most useful complications for sport timing : a split hand, which is superimposed on the seconds hand until the operator activates the button, and joins it again when the time measurement is completed. It is the perfect instrument for measuring the duration between two events.
This model is also the most elusive : it was never documented by Rolex and was not available for sale. The provenance of most of the 9 located units goes back to car drivers and officials of the Giro Automobilistico di Sicilia, feeding the assumption of a gift for testing in competition this highly efficient model that will finally not enter into a phase of commercial production. Secret was required for keeping away the competitors of the brand.
A 4113 was sold for CHF 1.1M by Christie's on May 13, 2013 and for CHF 2.4M by Phillips on May 14, 2016, lot 56.
A 4113 in original unrestored condition was sold for CHF 1.94M by Phillips on November 9, 2019, lot 139.
The 4113, made in twelve units in 1942, is far ahead of all other models of the brand.
This stainless steel 'antimagnétique' wristwatch with a highly readable oversized dial 44 mm in diameter includes one of the most useful complications for sport timing : a split hand, which is superimposed on the seconds hand until the operator activates the button, and joins it again when the time measurement is completed. It is the perfect instrument for measuring the duration between two events.
This model is also the most elusive : it was never documented by Rolex and was not available for sale. The provenance of most of the 9 located units goes back to car drivers and officials of the Giro Automobilistico di Sicilia, feeding the assumption of a gift for testing in competition this highly efficient model that will finally not enter into a phase of commercial production. Secret was required for keeping away the competitors of the brand.
A 4113 was sold for CHF 1.1M by Christie's on May 13, 2013 and for CHF 2.4M by Phillips on May 14, 2016, lot 56.
A 4113 in original unrestored condition was sold for CHF 1.94M by Phillips on November 9, 2019, lot 139.
Rolex 6062
Intro
Rolex watches are made to be worn on the wrist, not for hoarding. The luxury market is however tempting for the brand that launches in 1950 a high end chronometer watch with triple calendar (month - day in the month - day in the week) and phases of the Moon. This new model is available in two references : 6062 is an Oyster and 8171 is not waterproof
1
1952 ex Bao Dai
2017 SOLD for CHF 5.1M by Phillips
Bao Dai had been the Emperor of Viet Nam from 1926 to 1945. France attempts to rebuild its colonial policy by promoting the former emperor as head of state of the Etat du Viet Nam. The military reverses of the French army at Dien Bien Phu make the feasibility of the new state increasingly unlikely.
In the spring of 1954 the peace negotiations are held at the Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva. We easily understand that they are exhausting for Bao Dai. One day under an excuse of fatigue he leaves the conference, crosses the street and enters the shop of a retailer. He wants to take as a souvenir from Geneva a Rolex wristwatch that matches his high rank.
The employees are eager to satisfy this wealthy client but he refuses all the pieces that are brought to him. They manage to make him wait until the coming of a Rolex emissary with the most luxurious available watch of the brand, waiting for a customer in their headquarters since 1952. Bao Dai is happy to purchase this watch which now has on its case the slight wear of his frequent use.
This yellow gold Rolex 6062 features in its water-resistant Oyster type case a triple day-date-month calendar and the phases of the moon. Its black dial is embellished with the five indexes of even hours that are realized in diamonds. This is the only unit in this configuration. Two other watches are known with diamonds at the six odd indexes.
Directly coming from the family of the fallen emperor, the Bao Dai Rolex was sold for CHF 370K on 18 November 2002 by Phillips, de Pury et Luxembourg. Returning to the same auction house, now Phillips, on May 13, 2017, lot 93, it was sold for CHF 5.1M from a lowr estimate of 1.5M.
In the spring of 1954 the peace negotiations are held at the Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva. We easily understand that they are exhausting for Bao Dai. One day under an excuse of fatigue he leaves the conference, crosses the street and enters the shop of a retailer. He wants to take as a souvenir from Geneva a Rolex wristwatch that matches his high rank.
The employees are eager to satisfy this wealthy client but he refuses all the pieces that are brought to him. They manage to make him wait until the coming of a Rolex emissary with the most luxurious available watch of the brand, waiting for a customer in their headquarters since 1952. Bao Dai is happy to purchase this watch which now has on its case the slight wear of his frequent use.
This yellow gold Rolex 6062 features in its water-resistant Oyster type case a triple day-date-month calendar and the phases of the moon. Its black dial is embellished with the five indexes of even hours that are realized in diamonds. This is the only unit in this configuration. Two other watches are known with diamonds at the six odd indexes.
Directly coming from the family of the fallen emperor, the Bao Dai Rolex was sold for CHF 370K on 18 November 2002 by Phillips, de Pury et Luxembourg. Returning to the same auction house, now Phillips, on May 13, 2017, lot 93, it was sold for CHF 5.1M from a lowr estimate of 1.5M.
2
1953
2017 SOLD for CHF 1.93M by Phillips
On May 14, 2017, Phillips sold for CHF 1.93M from a lower estimate of CHF 600K a stainless steel 6062 assembled in 1953, lot 172.
At that time steel watches were rarities intended for users needing a high stability of metal for severe conditions. Many have been damaged by an intensive use.
The watch that comes on sale is in excellent and unrestored condition. The Oyster back side configuration has protected from corrosion its fragile dial realized with a lacquered silver finish for providing a great luminosity.
The complications have a questionable interest for the traditional Rolex users : after a few years in production of the dual model 6062/8171, the brand waited until 2017 to release a new model offering the phases of the Moon.
At that time steel watches were rarities intended for users needing a high stability of metal for severe conditions. Many have been damaged by an intensive use.
The watch that comes on sale is in excellent and unrestored condition. The Oyster back side configuration has protected from corrosion its fragile dial realized with a lacquered silver finish for providing a great luminosity.
The complications have a questionable interest for the traditional Rolex users : after a few years in production of the dual model 6062/8171, the brand waited until 2017 to release a new model offering the phases of the Moon.
Daytona
Intro
Rolex firmly established itself on the market of wristwatches for sport and extreme conditions. From 1928 the Oyster case is hermetically sealed to resist water and dust.
The first commercial chronograph of the Rolex brand is the reference 6234, from 1955 to 1961. This function is much appreciated on racing circuits. In 1962 Rolex becomes the official supplier of the Daytona circuit, opened three years earlier and a modern symbol of speed on the track and at sea.. The Daytona designation is inscribed from 1964 on the dials of the Cosmograph 6239 and then of its 6241 variant.
Another innovation is the improvement of the waterproofness by screw down pushers which will facilitate the industrial production of watches for the use of deep sea diving.
The first commercial chronograph of the Rolex brand is the reference 6234, from 1955 to 1961. This function is much appreciated on racing circuits. In 1962 Rolex becomes the official supplier of the Daytona circuit, opened three years earlier and a modern symbol of speed on the track and at sea.. The Daytona designation is inscribed from 1964 on the dials of the Cosmograph 6239 and then of its 6241 variant.
Another innovation is the improvement of the waterproofness by screw down pushers which will facilitate the industrial production of watches for the use of deep sea diving.
1
1968 6239 ex Paul Newman
2017 SOLD for $ 17.8M by Phillips
Rolex launches in 1963 the Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239 for the use of drivers of endurance racing cars. The brand believes that other customers will be proud to own such a watch with high-end performance. Sales are disappointing. To revive the model in late 1966 Rolex offers more stylish dials with a choice in a range of pleasing colors and with better designed numerals. This model is referred as 'exotic'.
Paul Newman discovers the joys of car racing in 1968 when he plays with Joanne Woodward for the movie Winning which will be released in the following year. Joanne is his wife in this film and since 1958 in life. She is unfaithful in the film and madly in love in their privacy.
Joanne is worried about Paul's new passion for this dangerous sport. She offers him in 1968 a Daytona 6239 exotic on the back of which she has made inscribed the good advice "Drive Carefully Me".
Hyperactive and philanthropist, Paul is one of Hollywood's most popular personalities. Maniac in the accuracy of time, he is crazy about his 6239. Readers of magazines have fun to see Paul exhibiting regularly on his wrist this Rolex, recognizable from a distance by the simplicity of its design with the three sub-dials. After the mid-1980s, exotic Daytonas have been nicknamed Paul Newman by a group of collectors and dealers without the intervention of the brand and without distinction of models (6239, 6241 and 6262 to 6265).
Paul is nice. One day when his daughter Nell's boyfriend forgot his watch, he gave him the 6239. Nell and James later separated without ceasing to cooperate closely. This eponymous watch to all the Daytona Paul Newman lineage was sold for $ 17.8M by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo on October 26, 2017, lot 8. Its consignor was James and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nell Newman Foundation created by Nell in 2010 to continue the charitable work of her father.
This watch intensely used by Paul has never been modified or reworked. It joins the glamor of Hollywood with the beautiful story of the two generations of Newmans. It is the first of three watches of that next sale discussed by the auctioneer Aurel Bacs in the video shared by Hong Kong Tatler.
Paul Newman discovers the joys of car racing in 1968 when he plays with Joanne Woodward for the movie Winning which will be released in the following year. Joanne is his wife in this film and since 1958 in life. She is unfaithful in the film and madly in love in their privacy.
Joanne is worried about Paul's new passion for this dangerous sport. She offers him in 1968 a Daytona 6239 exotic on the back of which she has made inscribed the good advice "Drive Carefully Me".
Hyperactive and philanthropist, Paul is one of Hollywood's most popular personalities. Maniac in the accuracy of time, he is crazy about his 6239. Readers of magazines have fun to see Paul exhibiting regularly on his wrist this Rolex, recognizable from a distance by the simplicity of its design with the three sub-dials. After the mid-1980s, exotic Daytonas have been nicknamed Paul Newman by a group of collectors and dealers without the intervention of the brand and without distinction of models (6239, 6241 and 6262 to 6265).
Paul is nice. One day when his daughter Nell's boyfriend forgot his watch, he gave him the 6239. Nell and James later separated without ceasing to cooperate closely. This eponymous watch to all the Daytona Paul Newman lineage was sold for $ 17.8M by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo on October 26, 2017, lot 8. Its consignor was James and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nell Newman Foundation created by Nell in 2010 to continue the charitable work of her father.
This watch intensely used by Paul has never been modified or reworked. It joins the glamor of Hollywood with the beautiful story of the two generations of Newmans. It is the first of three watches of that next sale discussed by the auctioneer Aurel Bacs in the video shared by Hong Kong Tatler.
2
1969 6263 The Legend
2017 SOLD for CHF 3.7M by Phillips
At the end of the 1960s, Rolex wanted to capture this market sector by improving the elegance. The Exotic dial, displaying three subsidiary dials, will later receive the nickname Paul Newman from collectors, in reference to the 6239 from 1968 that the actor never parted in the circuits and behind the wheel. In 1969 three new references, 6262 to 6264, are an evolution of the 6239 to integrate either a new calibre or a change in the push-button technique.
Launched in 1969 the 6263 type is most often assembled with pre-existing case backs of 6239 type. The design is not immediately stabilized and tiny differences of inscriptions or colors are considered now by collectors among the rarest sub-variants of the brand.
Almost all watches of these models are in stainless steel, the robustness of which meets sporting needs. The other metals are very rare. The range of colors offered for the dial is original and spectacular : lemon, tropical panda, champagne.
The first examples below refer to 6263 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman wristwatches built in 1969.
A stainless steel watch of the sub variant named Sotto due to the unusual position of its inscriptions on the dial was sold for CHF 2M by Phillips on May 14, 2016. Named RCO for another inscription variant, a 6263 was sold for CHF 990K by Christie's on November 10, 2013.
The "lemon" and the "tropical panda" are two variants of the dial. A Tropical Panda was sold for CHF 930K by Phillips on May 14, 2016.
On May 14, 2017, Phillips listed a 6263 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman wristwatch built in 1969, lot 237. Its variant made of 18k yellow gold with lemon dial, white graphics of the subsidiary registers and screw down pushers is designated in literature as The Legend. It was sold for CHF 3.7M from a lower estimate of CHF 800K. Two other examples are known.
A yellow gold Daytona chronograph reference 6264 made ca 1970 with a lemon dial was sold for £ 1M by Sotheby's on September 7, 2022, lot 8.
On July 31 , 2020, Sotheby's sold for £ 1.22M as lot 951 a watch that combines several rarities of the highest prestige : a 1969 Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman "18k JPS" reference 6264. The black dial with golden subdials in a gold case was nicknamed JPS by enthusiasts in reference to the livery of the Formula 1 Lotus cars sponsored by the John Player Special cigarette brand.
Launched in 1969 the 6263 type is most often assembled with pre-existing case backs of 6239 type. The design is not immediately stabilized and tiny differences of inscriptions or colors are considered now by collectors among the rarest sub-variants of the brand.
Almost all watches of these models are in stainless steel, the robustness of which meets sporting needs. The other metals are very rare. The range of colors offered for the dial is original and spectacular : lemon, tropical panda, champagne.
The first examples below refer to 6263 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman wristwatches built in 1969.
A stainless steel watch of the sub variant named Sotto due to the unusual position of its inscriptions on the dial was sold for CHF 2M by Phillips on May 14, 2016. Named RCO for another inscription variant, a 6263 was sold for CHF 990K by Christie's on November 10, 2013.
The "lemon" and the "tropical panda" are two variants of the dial. A Tropical Panda was sold for CHF 930K by Phillips on May 14, 2016.
On May 14, 2017, Phillips listed a 6263 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman wristwatch built in 1969, lot 237. Its variant made of 18k yellow gold with lemon dial, white graphics of the subsidiary registers and screw down pushers is designated in literature as The Legend. It was sold for CHF 3.7M from a lower estimate of CHF 800K. Two other examples are known.
A yellow gold Daytona chronograph reference 6264 made ca 1970 with a lemon dial was sold for £ 1M by Sotheby's on September 7, 2022, lot 8.
On July 31 , 2020, Sotheby's sold for £ 1.22M as lot 951 a watch that combines several rarities of the highest prestige : a 1969 Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman "18k JPS" reference 6264. The black dial with golden subdials in a gold case was nicknamed JPS by enthusiasts in reference to the livery of the Formula 1 Lotus cars sponsored by the John Player Special cigarette brand.
3
1969 6263 The Legend
2022 SOLD for CHF 3.4M by Christie's
Three examples of the 6263 'Legend' are known, possibly cased on the same day in 1969. The case back is stamped 6239. They are believed to have been prototypes because some case numbers of the then terminating pump pusher references 6262 and 6264 are higher.
One of them was sold for CHF 3.4M by Christie's on November 7, 2022, lot 128. Its condition is described as spectacular, with a case in excellent original condition with strong proportions.
It had been the discovery piece of that variant when it was sold for CHF 840K by Antiquorum on May 12, 2013, lot 512. Its case number is lower than the other example sold for CHF 3.7M by Phillips on May 14, 2017, lot 237.
One of them was sold for CHF 3.4M by Christie's on November 7, 2022, lot 128. Its condition is described as spectacular, with a case in excellent original condition with strong proportions.
It had been the discovery piece of that variant when it was sold for CHF 840K by Antiquorum on May 12, 2013, lot 512. Its case number is lower than the other example sold for CHF 3.7M by Phillips on May 14, 2017, lot 237.
4
1970 White Gold 6265
2018 SOLD for CHF 5.9M by Phillips
Luxury watches and sports watches do not meet the needs of the same users. Rolex has however offered a yellow gold variant of the Cosmograph Daytona for which the suffix /8 was added to the model's reference. The brand used white gold as an option /9 for the Day-Date.
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.
Gold is heavier than stainless steel and it was the unusual weight of this 6265 that attracted Goldberger many years earlier when he inspected it before buying.
Paul Newman's Daytona was sold for $ 17.8M by Phillips in 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 was sold for CHF 5.9M from a lower estimate of CHF 3M on May 12, 2018 by Phillips, lot 8. Please watch the video shared by Pucci Papaleo, the curator appointed by Phillips for this 32-lot Daytona Ultimatum auction.
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.
Gold is heavier than stainless steel and it was the unusual weight of this 6265 that attracted Goldberger many years earlier when he inspected it before buying.
Paul Newman's Daytona was sold for $ 17.8M by Phillips in 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 was sold for CHF 5.9M from a lower estimate of CHF 3M on May 12, 2018 by Phillips, lot 8. Please watch the video shared by Pucci Papaleo, the curator appointed by Phillips for this 32-lot Daytona Ultimatum auction.
5
(1981)-1983 6263 ex Paul Newman
2020 SOLD for $ 5.5M by Phillips
Paul Newman is passionate about time control, timing anything and the rest of it. In 1968 his wife the actress Joanne Woodward gives him a wristwatch that matches his desires : a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239. The accuracy is unparalleled and the robustness is perfect.
For their 25th wedding anniversary in 1983, Joanne renews the Daytona. She presents to Paul a Cosmograph 6263, assembled circa 1981, also in stainless steel. The success is similar : Paul will wear it almost every day until his death in 2008.
The 6263 is an Oyster whose chronometer is actuated by a screw-in pusher, to prevent an unwanted start underwater. Always ready for an action, Paul liked to keep this pusher in the unlocked position.
Otherwise the use is similar with the same sub-dials. His 6239 has an off-white dial with black sub-dials. His 6263 has white sub-dials and a black background. Its variant is named Big Red to describe the big letters of the word Daytona along with the long sticks marking the hours.
Fifteen years apart, Joanne had a kind word inscribed on the back of the watches to urge Paul to be careful on the tracks : Drive Carefully Me on the first, Drive slowly / Joanne on the second.
When the 6239 became a duplicate, Paul gave it to the boyfriend of his daughter Nell. The watch resurfaced thirty years later and was sold by Phillips in 2017 for $ 17.8M. In the meantime, Rolex enthusiasts had given the Daytona models the nickname Paul Newman.
His daughter Clea had kept the 6263. This watch was sold for $ 5.5M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Phillips on December 12, 2020, lot 38.
For their 25th wedding anniversary in 1983, Joanne renews the Daytona. She presents to Paul a Cosmograph 6263, assembled circa 1981, also in stainless steel. The success is similar : Paul will wear it almost every day until his death in 2008.
The 6263 is an Oyster whose chronometer is actuated by a screw-in pusher, to prevent an unwanted start underwater. Always ready for an action, Paul liked to keep this pusher in the unlocked position.
Otherwise the use is similar with the same sub-dials. His 6239 has an off-white dial with black sub-dials. His 6263 has white sub-dials and a black background. Its variant is named Big Red to describe the big letters of the word Daytona along with the long sticks marking the hours.
Fifteen years apart, Joanne had a kind word inscribed on the back of the watches to urge Paul to be careful on the tracks : Drive Carefully Me on the first, Drive slowly / Joanne on the second.
When the 6239 became a duplicate, Paul gave it to the boyfriend of his daughter Nell. The watch resurfaced thirty years later and was sold by Phillips in 2017 for $ 17.8M. In the meantime, Rolex enthusiasts had given the Daytona models the nickname Paul Newman.
His daughter Clea had kept the 6263. This watch was sold for $ 5.5M from a lower estimate of $ 1M by Phillips on December 12, 2020, lot 38.
Platinum Daytona
1
1999
2020 SOLD for HK$ 25.4M by Sotheby's
In 1988 Rolex modernizes the Daytona Oyster Perpetual with the 16520 series with automatic winding. They use the 4030 caliber which is directly derived from the Zenith 400 El Primero created in 1969. In 2000 the 4030 is replaced by the 4130 which is the first automatic caliber entirely designed by Rolex.
The success is immediate. In 1991 Rolex, tempted to return to the luxury watch market, creates the 16518 in yellow gold, soon followed by the 16519 in white gold. The 16518 also introduces the Racing dial with Arabic numerals.
At the end of the decade, Rolex assembles a few platinum specimens under the reference 16516, with unique dials in different colors, to test the effect. The population is estimated at 4 or 5. Sotheby's knows three of them.
A platinum Daytona was assembled in 1999 with a lapis lazuli dial. It was sold on July 11, 2020 for HK $ 25.4M from a lower estimate of HK $ 4M, lot 2236.
The platinum Daytona with a turquoise blue lacquer dial, dated 1998, was sold for HK $ 24.4M by Sotheby's on April 23, 2021, lot 2154.
The third example, assembled in 1999 with a mother-of-pearl dial, was sold for HK $ 6.8M on October 2, 2018, lot 2265. Then recently discovered, this watch had been reported in the catalog as the only known platinum Daytona.
The success is immediate. In 1991 Rolex, tempted to return to the luxury watch market, creates the 16518 in yellow gold, soon followed by the 16519 in white gold. The 16518 also introduces the Racing dial with Arabic numerals.
At the end of the decade, Rolex assembles a few platinum specimens under the reference 16516, with unique dials in different colors, to test the effect. The population is estimated at 4 or 5. Sotheby's knows three of them.
A platinum Daytona was assembled in 1999 with a lapis lazuli dial. It was sold on July 11, 2020 for HK $ 25.4M from a lower estimate of HK $ 4M, lot 2236.
The platinum Daytona with a turquoise blue lacquer dial, dated 1998, was sold for HK $ 24.4M by Sotheby's on April 23, 2021, lot 2154.
The third example, assembled in 1999 with a mother-of-pearl dial, was sold for HK $ 6.8M on October 2, 2018, lot 2265. Then recently discovered, this watch had been reported in the catalog as the only known platinum Daytona.
2
1998
2021 SOLD for HK$ 24.4M by Sotheby's
The unique platinum Daytona with a turquoise blue lacquer dial, dated 1998, was sold for HK $ 24.4M by Sotheby's on April 23, 2021, lot 2154.
Its case number is adjacent to the example above.
Its case number is adjacent to the example above.
