Phillips Racing Pulse New York Auction 12 December 2020 | Paul Newman's Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red" Ref. 6263 sold for USD 5'475'000

LOT 38

Rolex Ref. 6263

An iconic, historically important, and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, caseback engraving, and bracelet. Circa 1980

37mm Diameter

Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

In excess of $1 million

SOLD FOR USD 5'475'000

Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1980
Reference No: 6263
Case No: 6'392'137
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78350/19, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, reference 78350, stamped T9
Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories: Handwritten note from Clea Newman
Literature: The present watch is featured on the front and back covers of "A Man & His Watch", by Matthew Hranek.

Catalogue Essay

While many know Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman primarily as actors and philanthropists, to watch collectors, their names signal something more: an extraordinary impact on the field of watch collecting. Throughout his lifetime beginning in 1968, Paul Newman has been photographed wearing a small handful of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watches. Amongst these, the watch he owned and wore the longest is the present “Big Red” Daytona reference 6263. It is amongst the most exclusive handful of watches with impeccable Newman-family provenance.

With serial number dating it to approximately 1981, Paul Newman wore the present watch from 1983 until 2008. It was the watch he wore the longest and was most often photographed wearing until Newman gifted it to his daughter, Clea Newman Soderlund in 2008 before his passing.

Bearing all the features of one of the most sought-after wristwatches of the present era, it is well-preserved with its original dial with bold black, red, and white livery and Oyster bracelet. It was likely presented to him by his wife Joanne Woodward in 1983, the year of their 25th wedding anniversary. This reference 6263 was his faithful companion for over two decades as he grew his philanthropic efforts and food business, Newman’s Own, delivered Oscar-winning performances on the silver screen, cherished his family, and continued to compete in motorsport events.

Paul Newman

Newman was often photographed wearing the watch with its chronograph pushers unscrewed – obviously, so that he would have easy access to begin timing events, whether during a race or simply in his day-to-day activities. So proud and confident he was of the accuracy of his Daytonas, he would place bets with friends that his watch was more accurate than theirs. After calling Central Time, a phone service providing exact time, Newman would collect his winnings. A true enthusiast, he wore this very watch on a bund strap similar to his ref.6239 with exotic dial, on a President bracelet, Jubilee bracelet, and the presently fitted Oyster bracelet. The effortlessness and unpretentiousness of his personal style and aura carried over in his approach to watches. Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona was meant to be a utilitarian timekeeper, to provide timing information legibly and accurately - suiting Paul Newman’s lifestyle and sensibilities perfectly.

Treasured and worn occasionally by Clea Newman Soderlund since 2008, the present Daytona has never before been offered publicly. It has been well-preserved by both Clea and her father, the caseback unpolished to preserve the loving inscription DRIVE SLOWLY JOANNE. Just as a mechanic would service a car regularly, so too was this 6263 treated with the care and consideration that such an object should require.

Introduced in 1969, the reference 6263 housed Rolex’s caliber 727 and featured screw down pushers to prevent their actuation underwater. Along with the reference 6265, the stainless steel bezel version of the watch, the two references sit proudly in the pantheon of Rolex chronograph history, and were offered with either a silvered dial or black dial, similar to the present watch. It is sized at a generous 37mm diameter without the pushers, with the gently curved lugs providing comfort for any sized wrist.

Clea Newman

The Daytona is a model that will forever be associated with Paul Newman, treasured by watch collectors simply because Newman embodied that sort of unstudied, unassuming coolness while wearing his Daytona that is not so easily captured. The popularity of the model among collectors in the twenty-first century has only increased – no doubt in part due its enduring association with Paul Newman. Phillips is thrilled and honored to offer this incredible “two-owner” timepiece, direct from Paul Newman’s daughter Clea, with a portion of the proceeds going to SeriousFun Network and Safe Water Network charities founded by Paul Newman himself.

Its superb provenance, famous “DRIVE SLOWLY JOANNE” engraving by Joanne Woodward, and outstanding overall condition make this “Paul Newman” “Big Red” Daytona one of the world’s most important Rolex watches, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Consigned by the Family of the Original Owner