Rolex. A Very Rare and Extremely Attractive Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Paul Newman Mark 1 Panda Dial and Bracelet
Rolex. A Very Rare and Extremely Attractive Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Paul Newman Mark 1 Panda Dial and Bracelet

Signed Rolex, Oyster Cosmograph, "Paul Newman" Model, Ref. 6263, Case No. 2’197’828, Circa 1969

Details
Rolex. A Very Rare and Extremely Attractive Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Paul Newman Mark 1 Panda Dial and Bracelet
Signed Rolex, Oyster Cosmograph, "Paul Newman" Model, Ref. 6263, Case No. 2’197’828, Circa 1969
Movement: Manual, Cal. 727, 17 jewels
Dial: White, square numerals with luminous accents, luminous hands, three black subsidiary dials
Case: Stainless steel, black bezel, engraved screw back, two screw down buttons in the band, inside case back stamped 6239 and C.R.S, 37.5mm diam.
Bracelet/Clasp: Rolex Oyster bracelet and deployant clasp, stamped 7935 19 & 1 71 and 271 to the endlinks, overall approximate length 7 inches
Accompanied By: An original invoice dated August 19, 1971, from retailer Rosch & Co., Bern, for the amount of 800 CHF, an original bank slip and a green presentation box
Provenance
From the Original Owner

Lot Essay

The words "Panda Paul Newman" are those which will excite the most discerning collectors. 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 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.

Purchased new in Switzerland during the early 1970’s while the original owner was touring Europe by motorcycle, the present "Panda Paul Newman" has been hidden for the last 30+ years. Only worn a handful of times by its owner, it was then placed into a safety deposit box, emerging decades later, fresh to market and in impeccable condition.

With a Mark 1 dial, this example is extremely impressive. Very clean, the stark contrast of the bright white dial with black registers is accentuated as of its unblemished appearance, almost unheard of for an original watch which is over 50 years old. With all-original crown, pushers and bezel, the case is extraordinary, accompanied by its original Rolex Oyster bracelet.

The present "Panda" 6263 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.


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