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.
