Story Highlight
– Pucci Papaleo sells 16 significant Rolex chronographs.
– Auction features Rolex Ref. 3525, first Oyster chronograph.
– Unique 14ct gold Daytona ref. 6264 with lemon dial.
– Papaleo’s expertise has shaped Rolex collecting for decades.
– Highlights include exceptional condition and rare characteristics.
Full Story
Renowned collector and author Pucci Papaleo is preparing to auction 16 notable Rolex chronographs at Phillips’ upcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV.
Among the highlights is a circa 1940 reference 3525 “Bariletto,” recognized as Rolex’s inaugural chronograph wristwatch to feature an Oyster case. Also notable is a rare 14-carat gold Daytona reference 6264 Paul Newman, boasting a distinctive lemon dial which may be unique.
Mr. Papaleo, who resides in Rome, has spent over three decades researching, collecting, and documenting Rolex chronographs, culminating in his publications I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda in 2004 and Ultimate Rolex Daytona in 2012.
As a long-term consultant for Phillips, he has curated two previous auctions focused exclusively on Rolex Daytonas.
“Pucci has dedicated over 30 years to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in curating his collection of Rolex chronographs. His influence extends well beyond collecting. Through his written works, photography, and willingness to share his insights, he has equipped countless collectors with the knowledge necessary to appreciate these watches. His efforts have been instrumental in elevating Rolex’s stature within the collector community,” stated Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo, senior consultants at Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo.
### Featured Timepieces from the Pucci Papaleo Auction
#### Rolex Ref. 3525 “Bariletto,” Stainless Steel, Circa 1940
**Estimate: CHF 250,000–500,000**
The Ref. 3525 debuted in 1939 and signified Rolex’s first foray into chronograph wristwatches with an Oyster case, integrating features like a screw-down caseback and crown. This stainless-steel piece is among the earliest of its kind, identifiable by its externally stamped case number. Its condition is exceptional, particularly with the well-defined contours of the bezel that have not succumbed to polishing, and the brushed surfaces are clearly visible. The multi-scale dial has aged to a warm vanilla hue and features the signature of Sydney-based retailer Prouds. Current research suggests this is the only known Ref. 3525 on the market displaying the Prouds signature, and it comes with a rare Rolex rice-grain bracelet.
#### Rolex Ref. 3335, 18k Pink Gold, Circa 1941
**Estimate: CHF 250,000–500,000**
This vintage chronograph stands out due to its grand 37mm case size and is characterized by a concave bezel and angled lugs specific to gold models. With limited production numbers, the sharp contours of the case can easily become worn, but this pink gold edition remains in superb condition, with defined bevels and a hallmark visibly intact beneath the lug. Its pink dial exhibits only slight signs of ageing, showcasing crisp text and the signature of Monetti, a retailer from Naples established in 1904. The combination of its pink gold craftsmanship, retailer signature, and overall preservation makes this an important piece from Rolex’s early 1940s chronograph production.
#### Rolex Ref. 6239 “Paul Newman Musketeer,” Stainless Steel, Circa 1969
**Estimate: CHF 250,000–500,000**
Launched in 1963, the Ref. 6239 was the first model in the Cosmograph Daytona series and the inaugural Rolex chronograph to incorporate the tachymeter scale on the bezel. This specific example features the rare black “Paul Newman Musketeer” dial, which differs from standard versions by using azurage only on parts of the subsidiary registers, as opposed to extending to their edges. The dial is in excellent condition, preserving luminous dots and clear graphics, while its stainless-steel case remains notably sharp. This watch includes its original Rolex guarantee and presentation box.
#### Rolex Ref. 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon,” 14ct Yellow Gold, Circa 1970
**Estimate: Over CHF 1,000,000**
A standout piece from the collection is the exceptional Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon,” featuring an extremely rare creamy yellow dial within a 14ct yellow gold case. This piece is believed to be the only known 14k example from the distinguished 2.3 million “Lemon” serial range and likely represents the earliest instance of this type entering the market with the 2.3 million serial number. In remarkable condition, it boasts a sharply defined case and an exceptionally maintained dial, symbolizing one of the most sought-after iterations of the Paul Newman Daytona.
