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Lot Essay
Never before been offered in public, the present watch represents an unusual opportunity for the discerning collector to own a double signed Rolex wristwatch with "Paul Newman" dial. This extremely rare example is offered in excellent condition which is remarkable since the owner bought this watch directly from Tiffany & Co. in Dallas in the late 1960s and wore it everyday as a pilot in sometimes extremely turbulent conditions. It has managed to retain its original dial and is overall a very well preserved vintage treasure.
The Original Owner, An Important Naval Aviator
The original owner of this rare timepiece joined the United States Navy upon completion of an Engineering Degree at Virginia Tech. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in December of 1962, and assigned to Light Attack Fleet Squadron VA-23. He flew the A4E Sky Hawk in the Fleet.
Upon completion of his Naval Service, he obtained a job as a Test Pilot with the Dallas, Texas based LTV Aerospace Company. On March 6, 1966, he became the 15th pilot to fly the A7A Corsair II. The A7A/B/C/D series replaced the A4 Sky Hawk in the Fleet. While at LTV he had flight test assignments to include the F8 Crusader, T33A/B, and the XC 142.
In 1968 he purchased the present Rolex Daytona wristwatch at the Dallas, Texas North Park Tiffany & Co. store. An important feature of the watch was the chronograph function which allowed the ability to time certain flight test activities, for example, take off roll time under various temperature and weight conditions, time to climb to specific altitudes, time to achieve specific airspeeds or match numbers at different altitudes.
The present watch was a valuable tool which he used during other flight test assignments subsequent to leaving LTV, amazing to know it was so useful and was purchased for just over $400 at the time.
The Original Owner, An Important Naval Aviator
The original owner of this rare timepiece joined the United States Navy upon completion of an Engineering Degree at Virginia Tech. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in December of 1962, and assigned to Light Attack Fleet Squadron VA-23. He flew the A4E Sky Hawk in the Fleet.
Upon completion of his Naval Service, he obtained a job as a Test Pilot with the Dallas, Texas based LTV Aerospace Company. On March 6, 1966, he became the 15th pilot to fly the A7A Corsair II. The A7A/B/C/D series replaced the A4 Sky Hawk in the Fleet. While at LTV he had flight test assignments to include the F8 Crusader, T33A/B, and the XC 142.
In 1968 he purchased the present Rolex Daytona wristwatch at the Dallas, Texas North Park Tiffany & Co. store. An important feature of the watch was the chronograph function which allowed the ability to time certain flight test activities, for example, take off roll time under various temperature and weight conditions, time to climb to specific altitudes, time to achieve specific airspeeds or match numbers at different altitudes.
The present watch was a valuable tool which he used during other flight test assignments subsequent to leaving LTV, amazing to know it was so useful and was purchased for just over $400 at the time.