47 Rolex Fresh to the Market, Astonishing and Well Preserved, Daytona, Chronograph Wristwatch in 18 Kt Yellow Gold, With “Paul Newman Lemon” Dial, Tropical Outer Scale, Reference 6241, from the Personal Collection of Renato Della Valle

Estimate: € 600,000 –⁠ 1,200,000

Sold € 871,000

Model: Daytona "Paul Newman"
Reference: 6241
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1969
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 727
Case N°: 1947341
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box
Literature: Coming from the Personal Collection of Renato Della Valle

Manual winding Daytonas continue to hold a cherished status among collectors. It is widely recognized that these watches can be categorized based on several defining characteristics: calibre specifications, with four subsequent references featuring calibre 727 (introduced in the late 1960s) and three earlier models equipped with previous calibres (72B, 722, 722-1). The distinction also extends to the type of bezel, such as steel/gold for the 6239/6262 and 6265, or acrylic for the 6240, 6241, 6264, and 6263. Further classifications include screw-down pushers (6240, 6263, and 6265) or pump pushers (for all other references). However, the most prominent and influential factor in their categorization remains their dial style: whether it’s the classical design or the iconic "Paul Newman" version. Initially designed with a presumed focus on the American market, the Daytona "Paul Newman" quickly captivated enthusiasts worldwide, establishing itself as one of the most compelling phenomena in the watch collecting arena. Deciphering the hierarchy of Paul Newman dial rarities stands as an initial challenge for budding watch specialists. At the pinnacle are the Paul Newman exotic dials featured on precious metal Daytonas, totalling three distinct configurations: champagne with black subdials and gold graphics, black with champagne subdials and black graphics, and grèné yellow with black subdials and white graphics. The latter, affectionately known as the "Lemon," is the least frequently seen publicly, yet its striking and unconventional configuration makes it the most intriguing. Among the extraordinary discoveries "in the wild" is an authentic family-owned Rolex Paul Newman with a "Lemon" dial. The lot presented here is a remarkable specimen of the reference 6241 in yellow gold, introduced in 1965. Boasting a slightly wider metal bezel featuring an acrylic insert for the first time, it is part of the Daytona lineage powered by the calibre 727. The yellow-gold case with a screw-down back is impeccably preserved in its original condition, with the spotlight naturally falling on the exceptionally well-preserved Paul Newman Lemon dial. The dial boasts a highly appreciative champagne background, black recessed subsidiary counters with white minutes/seconds tracks, an outer black track transitioning into a captivating brown tropical hue, and a black Daytona signature at six o'clock. This watch represents an extraordinarily rare opportunity for vintage Rolex collectors, being one of the coveted "Holy Grail" models. Its allure is further heightened by its exotic and charming configuration, making it one of the very few to have been crafted in this distinctive style. Fresh to the market, Monaco Legend Group takes pride in presenting this stunning 18K yellow-gold reference 6241 with a Paul Newman dial, affectionately nicknamed in Italian as the "Limoncino." Consigned by the family of the original owner and originating from the private collection of Renato Della Valle, the present watch was bought in the early '90s in the renowned Capuano jewellery of Via Veneto, Rome, as identified from the original crocodile leather strap still bearing the name of the shop. Mr. Renato Della Valle is a businessman, real estate entrepreneur, and investor with extensive experience in growing businesses and a particular interest in innovation. He initiated his career in 1961 at "il Giorno" newspaper in Milan, overseeing special services and new initiatives. Swiftly advancing, he joined Gabetti in 1963, later becoming Director of Sales at Castello Real Estate, significantly increasing company revenues within three years. In 1969, he founded Della Valle Immobiliare in Milan. From 1975 to 1978, he held the CEO position at Giorgio Armani, concurrently owning a 25% stake. In 1985, he established SIB, pioneering real estate services for banks, addressing non-performing loans with all Italian banks through ABI. Expanding into technology, he founded Diffusion Phone in the late 1980s, introducing the first coloured mobile phone without an antenna for Hagenuk, securing an agreement with Ferrari Auto to produce phones featuring the Ferrari logo. In 2005, he ventured into the pharmaceutical industry, founding NMTECH in London. In 2017, he entered personalized medicine, establishing Drug-PIN, where he currently serves as CEO and a primary investor.