230 Rolex Extremely Well Preserved and Very Rare, Daytona “John Player Special”, Chronograph Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With “Paul Newman” Dial, Reference 6264

Estimate: € 1,000,000 –⁠ 2,000,000

Sold € 1,430,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 6264
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1970
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 727
Case N°: 2357461
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

In 1969 references 6264 were launched, with the usual “Oyster” case and it is considered as the ultimate evolution of the pump pushers Daytona, the transitional link between the two main periods of the history of the manual winding Daytona. The present lot is one of the best specimens of 6264 ever made by Rolex with a 2.3M case number from 1969. This very reference is without any doubt the rarest of the non-screw-down pusher family that can be found in 18k yellow gold. The very few produced equipped in this material are among the most coveted and sought after by collector either they are equipped with the “Limoncino” or “JPS” Paul Newman dial. This reference features an acrylic black, graduated bezel and a very rare Paul Newman “John Player Special” dial, without any doubt, a dream watch among the collectors’ community. In 1972, John Player & Sons tobacco company sponsored the eccentric Formula One Lotus team which emblazoned the cigarette maker’s logo on its race cars. The colors of that car, totally black with contrasting gilt details and trimmings, are still synonymous with elegance and charm. The reference 6264 black dial Paul Newman echoes that elegance and charisma. While most of the 6264 were produced in stainless steel, a few pieces were made in yellow gold, the tonneau case is equipped with a beautiful Yellow Gold Oyster bracelet maintaining a very high quality of preservation. This watch represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire one of the “Holy Grail” models for vintage Rolex collectors and is one of the very few to have been manufactured with this exotic and charming configuration.