The Rolex Daytona initially struggled for popularity in the 1960s, a time when many consumers favored simpler, traditional timepieces over the complexities of chronographs. While classic versions attracted more attention, the exotic 'Paul Newman' dial variant remained overlooked. Named after the world-renowned endurance race '24 Hours of Daytona' and the actor Paul Newman—who wore this model while participating in the race and featured it in several films—the Daytona's unique design and association with the legendary actor propelled it into the spotlight in the late 1980s and 1990s. With their rarity and distinctive aesthetics, vintage Daytonas with 'Paul Newman' dials have since become some of the most sought-after and iconic watches in history.
Case: The watch measures 37mm without the crown and shows signs of wear, including slight polishing from previous use. The inner case back is stamped with the reference number 6262.
Dial: The iconic ‘Paul Newman’ dial features a striking 'panda' configuration, with a white background and black sub-registers. Collectors appreciate its contrasting recessed outer seconds track, square applied hour markers, and distinctive sub-registers in Art Deco font with square hash marks. This example is in excellent condition, showcasing an original MK II dial with matching hands.
