Story Highlight
– Fellows Auctioneers offers Paul Newman Daytona watch.
– Estimated value: £80,000 to £120,000.
– Daytona model introduced by Rolex in 1963.
– Design became iconic due to Paul Newman’s influence.
– Auction features other vintage watches, reflecting collector demand.
Full Story
Fellows Auctioneers is set to feature a highly coveted ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona in its Watches Auction scheduled for 26 February.
This particular timepiece, designated as Lot 50, is estimated to fetch between £80,000 and £120,000, marking it as one of the auction’s key attractions.
The iconic Daytona watch was first launched by Rolex in 1963 under the name Cosmograph, before being renamed in honour of its connection with the Daytona International Speedway.
In a bid to enhance sales, Rolex later developed the ‘Exotic’ dial variants, which are characterised by bold colour contrasts, large sub-dial markers, and a unique minute track, forming the distinct ‘Paul Newman’ style that collectors seek today.
The design was famously associated with actor Paul Newman, who sported the watch frequently throughout the 1970s, a period that solidified its reputation as one of the most celebrated chronographs in the collecting world.
In a landmark auction in 2017, Newman’s own Daytona sold for an impressive $17.8 million (£13.2 million), with all proceeds benefiting his charitable foundation.
Fellows’ auction in February will also showcase other notable vintage pieces, such as a Rolex GMT-Master ‘Pepsi’, a 1929 Rolex Prince exhibiting Art Deco features, and a Heuer Monaco that is accompanied by its original documentation.
The auction house states that the variety of items on offer underscores a sustained interest from collectors in vintage watches that boast significant historical value and authenticity.
More information can be accessed on the Fellows website.
