This rare Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Chronograph with champagne dial crushed the estimates at the Christie’s November 14, 2011, Geneva watch auction. It was expected to bring between ($88,641-$132,962) but ended up bringing in $182,822.

This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman (ref. 6264/6241 | case no. 2’357’421) was manufactured in 1970. It is powered by Cal. 727, a 17 jewel nickel-finished lever movement. The 18k gold case is 37 mm in diameter. Champagne dial, applied gold square numerals, black chapter ring, luminous accents, and hands, the outer gilt fifth of second divisions, engine -turned black subdials for small seconds, 30-minute chronograph counter and 12-hour chronograph counter. Black bezel, screw back, screw down crown and brown alligator strap with gilt Rolex buckle.

According to the Christie’s catalog, “Reference 6264 with the champagne-coloured “Paul Newman,” dial takes a prominent position in the family of gold non-Oyster Daytona series as not only being exceedingly rare but easily distinguishable thanks to the white printing on its black subsidiary dials. Other gold Paul Newman Cosmographs are generally displaying champagne numbers and calibration on their black circles.

It is interesting to note that another example of this reference, with serial no. 2’357’363 is prominently described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 254 & 255. The fact that this watch and the example offered here for sale are barely 60 numbers apart underline the rarity and small production of this series.” This stunning Paul Newman Rolex Daytona model is the epitome of collectible Rolex chronographs.