The world of horological collecting is filled with legends, and few watches embody this mystique quite like the Rolex Daytona nicknamed the "Paul Newman." Amongst these highly sought-after timepieces, a particularly elusive and captivating variant exists: the "Paul Newman Ferrari Rolex." This article delves into the fascinating story of these exceptionally rare watches, exploring their history, their value, and the ongoing debate surrounding their exact number. We'll also touch upon the broader market of Paul Newman Daytonas, including their prices, the sale of Paul Newman's own watch, and other significant examples.
The Enigma of the "Ferrari" Dial:
The defining characteristic of the "Paul Newman Ferrari Rolex" is its dial. Unlike the standard Paul Newman Daytona with its exotic sub-dials, this variation features a striking combination of Ferrari red and black. The exact configuration varies slightly between known examples, but the overall effect is one of bold, sporty elegance, perfectly reflecting the association with the iconic Italian sports car manufacturer. The precise details of how this dial variation came to be remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure and the difficulty in definitively determining the total number of these timepieces ever produced.
The information I've gathered suggests a remarkably limited number. While I've only personally encountered four examples with this unique Ferrari red and black dial, conversations with leading Rolex experts worldwide suggest a total number somewhere between 8 and 22. This extreme rarity immediately places these watches in a stratosphere of their own within the already exclusive world of Paul Newman Daytonas. This uncertainty stems from several factors: poor record-keeping from the era of their production, the secretive nature of high-end watch collecting, and the possibility that some examples remain undiscovered or privately held. The lack of official documentation from Rolex only adds to the intrigue.
Paul Newman Rolex for Sale: A Collector's Dream (and Nightmare)
Finding a Paul Newman Daytona for sale, let alone one with the elusive Ferrari dial, is a considerable challenge. The watches rarely appear on the open market, and when they do, they command astronomical prices. Auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's are the most likely places to encounter such a rare piece, but even then, it's a matter of luck and timing. Private sales between collectors also occur, but these transactions are often shrouded in secrecy, further obscuring the true market dynamics of these exceptional watches. The scarcity and desirability combine to create an environment where demand vastly outweighs supply, driving prices to unprecedented heights.
Who Bought Paul Newman's Rolex?
The story of Paul Newman's own Rolex Daytona is legendary. Gifted to him by his wife, Joanne Woodward, this particular 6239 reference became an iconic symbol of the actor's style and enduring legacy. After Newman's passing, this watch, with its unique "exotic" dial, was auctioned by Phillips in 2017. It fetched a staggering $17.8 million, setting a world record for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction at the time. The buyer's identity was kept confidential, adding another layer of mystique to this already iconic timepiece. This sale served as a pivotal moment, highlighting the incredible value and collector interest surrounding Paul Newman Daytonas, and particularly those with unique dial variations like the "Ferrari" example.
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