To clear up the situation, what we have here is a fully original replica Rolex Daytona ref. 6263, with an exotic ‘Paul Newman’ dial (a specific layout and sub-counters typo) that has turned into a coffee color (due to humidity, sun exposure or a bad reaction of the lacquer).
We are all aware that the replica Rolex Daytona is one of the main attractions in auctions. If you look at the catalog of this Artcurial auction, you might find several very nice Pateks, some rare Submariners or everything from the Rolex catalogues, new or vintage. And amidst of these watches, one is creating (once again) a real buzz in the watch world: lot 313: a ‘unique and ultimate’ Rolex Daytona 6263 Paul Newman with an estimate of $ 200.000 – $ 400.00 Euro. We have to admit, the brown color is pretty surprising. We have to admit that the watch has a very impressive pedigree and that its genuineness shouldn’t be a problem as well. However, (and that’s a big BUT) is the estimation justified? We also understood the reason why Eric Clapton’s PN Daytona reached $ 500.000 USD. It was a tremendously rare ‘albino’ version (full silver dial) and it was worn by legendary guitar player, singer, song writer and most important and influential guitarists of all time. Compared to a standard 6263, the one we have here has just a very nice patina. It is quite difficult to find a nice Rolex Daytona 6263 Paul Newman in good condition and with papers, but it is probable – and for much less than this ones estimate. The 6263 is not the rarest of them all.
You might find it weird because these 6263 PN are not the rarest and are usually sold for approximately $ 100.000 – $ 120.000 Euro, even with a good pedigree and all the required papers / authenticity proofs.
The explanation for that price is clearly speculation. We’re not into passion anymore but into pure finance. Stocks are facing a large volatility, bonds are not giving profits anymore and gold is overpriced. Recently, a Rolex Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ in gold, with a unique lemon dial was sold for $ 560.000 Euro. OK, that was a prototype, a gold edition and a UNIQUE one. It reached an insane price but it was sort of understandable. In addition to that, the watch was owned by the same family for many years with a complete service historic from 1976 to 1993, with not less than 11 recorded services (with engravings inside the caseback). This piece has been authenticated as fully original and is in a mint condition.
Not only is the watch is protected against electrostatic fields but also against magnetic fields. Nevertheless, replica Omega is doing better since their 15.000 Gauss-proof watches are not based on a protective case, but on a completely new movement that is fully anti-magnetic, that allows slimmer watches and even a see-trough caseback.
Of course replica watches Rolex, the company known for being sealed like an oyster, does things in their own time and we’ll have to wait until Monday before we really know what’s cooking. Therefore, here it begins to get complicated for non-initiates. In recent days, a very nice and rare example of a Daytona Paul Newman transitional 626 was displayed to you, which will be auctioned soon in Monte-Carlo. This one was already a rare bird, complete with papers and boxes, and a reference number rare enough to set the estimation at $ 150.000 Euro – an ‘impressive’ estimate for a ‘Dayto PN’.
Nevertheless tonight, 22 July 2017, there is another Paul Newman Daytona that might get collectors even more exited. There is no doubt that it will be auctioned by Artcurial in Monte-Carlo, and this one could break the ceiling, with an estimate of $ 200.000 – $ 400.000 Euro: a Rolex Daytona 6263 Paul Newman with a tropical ‘Coffee’ dial and a unique pedigree. Big question: insane or justified?