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Lot Essay
Offered in outstanding original overall condition, the present watch can be considered one of the most beautiful and important “Panda” Paul Newman Oyster Cosmographs to have appeared on the market in recent years. In the world of vintage watches where a Rolex Daytona is a must have, this example is a dream.
With a monochromatic black and white palette, the "Panda" Paul Newman is simply superb, considered by many to be one of the most attractive dial variations to be found on a vintage Daytona - it is certainly one of the rarest and most recognizable.
The present watch has aged impeccably, the white background of the untouched dial has acquired the very lightest of patina over the course of its nearly 50-year life. The case is full and crisp with sharp edges and lustrous brushed finish to the top of the lugs. The watch also retains its original mark 1 pushers, virtually immaculate mark 1 bezel and original crown bearing only the coronet. The bracelet has the date code for the fourth quarter of 1971, the same year as the watch, and is the correct 7835 folded-link Oyster bracelet with matching 271 end links. Furthermore it is offered with a contemporary box and brochure.
The case back is stamped inside with the reference 6262, an interesting feature of many early reference 6263 watches due to Rolex using leftover case backs from the previous models (6240 and 6262). This traces the origins to the first series 6263, now highly sought-after and appreciated by Rolex collectors.
The present "Panda" 6262 exemplifies the state of preservation and originality that collectors crave and provides an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire what is unquestionably one of the most appealing Paul Newman "Pandas" to ever appear at auction.
A very similar example is illustrated and analysed in: Ultimate Rolex Daytona, P. Papaleo, pp. 348-351.
With a monochromatic black and white palette, the "Panda" Paul Newman is simply superb, considered by many to be one of the most attractive dial variations to be found on a vintage Daytona - it is certainly one of the rarest and most recognizable.
The present watch has aged impeccably, the white background of the untouched dial has acquired the very lightest of patina over the course of its nearly 50-year life. The case is full and crisp with sharp edges and lustrous brushed finish to the top of the lugs. The watch also retains its original mark 1 pushers, virtually immaculate mark 1 bezel and original crown bearing only the coronet. The bracelet has the date code for the fourth quarter of 1971, the same year as the watch, and is the correct 7835 folded-link Oyster bracelet with matching 271 end links. Furthermore it is offered with a contemporary box and brochure.
The case back is stamped inside with the reference 6262, an interesting feature of many early reference 6263 watches due to Rolex using leftover case backs from the previous models (6240 and 6262). This traces the origins to the first series 6263, now highly sought-after and appreciated by Rolex collectors.
The present "Panda" 6262 exemplifies the state of preservation and originality that collectors crave and provides an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire what is unquestionably one of the most appealing Paul Newman "Pandas" to ever appear at auction.
A very similar example is illustrated and analysed in: Ultimate Rolex Daytona, P. Papaleo, pp. 348-351.