The Paul Newman “RCO” or “Oyster Sotto” Daytona is unquestionably one of the ultimate goals for the seasoned Daytona collector. Among the extremely small number of pieces produced, watches with Mark 1 dials are undeniably the rarest of the rare, near-unattainable trophies of the Rolex world.

Previously unknown to the auction market or collector community, the present Rolex reference 6263 Paul Newman MK1 “Oyster Sotto” Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most important examples of the model and comes fresh to market from the original family in Canada.

To date, fewer than 25 examples of the Paul Newman “Oyster Sotto” with MK1 and MK II dials are known, whereby the “Oyster” designation is found below the word “Cosmograph” instead of above it. The Exotic “Paul Newman” Dial itself was discontinued shortly after the introduction of reference 6263 in 1969 and accordingly only very early serial number watches were fitted with this style of dial, presumably at the request of either clients or certain retailers.

Furthermore, some of these very special “first of the few” are designated as having “MK 1” dials as they only appear on watches with the lowest serial numbers and feature a font which is distinctly different from MK II dials seen in slightly later serial number watches. Of all the Paul Newman “Oyster Sotto” watches known, fewer than 5 examples, including the present watch, are fitted with a Mark 1 dial and all are within a very small serial range, starting with 2’085’***.

The present lot, bearing serial 2’085’625 with an inside caseback stamped 6239 and dating from 1969, falls right into line and dazzles with its crisp case, wonderful MK 1 bezel, fantastic MK 1 pushers, and truly magnificent MK 1 dial “Oyster Sotto” dial. A watch of this importance and in this condition is an extraordinary rarity, and with original owner provenance one can easily imagine that the present opportunity to acquire the rarest and most desirable configuration Paul Newman Daytona in steel is easily once in a lifetime.