Daytona from Exotic to Paul Newman

The Story

In the late 1960s, 1969 to be precise, Hollywood celebrity Paul Newman rose to fame with the film "Winning." The plot focuses on the famous American auto race, the Indianapolis 500, and features several drivers and figures from the automotive industry of the time. During the production of the film, Paul Newman, already an accomplished actor, receives instruction from two expert drivers. It is in this context that the actor develops a deep passion for auto racing, so much so that he later becomes a successful driver. The film uses archival materials from the period, adding an authentic touch to the narrative. It was during filming that Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman's wife, experienced great discomfort and concern for her husband's safety, fearing possible accidents during motorsports. To express her love and support, she decided to give Paul a watch. This watch, most likely purchased at the Tiffany & Co. boutique in New York, is a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239 with an "Exotic" dial, specially designed for motorsports. On the back of the case, Joanne had a sincere dedication engraved that reflects her love and concern: "DRIVE CAREFULLY ME." A gesture that testifies to the couple's unshakeable bond and underscores the importance of shared passions, even if accompanied by an awareness of the associated risks.

What happened to Paul Newman's Daytona Paul Newman?

Shortly thereafter, the famous Rolex Daytona model with the Exotic dial earned the nickname "Daytona Paul Newman" from avid collectors, becoming an icon in the world of luxury watches. As for the fate of Paul Newman's famous Paul Newman Daytona, the watch remained on the actor's wrist until 1984. That year, in a seemingly simple yet significant gesture, Newman gave it to James Cox, then the boyfriend of his daughter, Nell Newman.

According to Cox, one afternoon they spent together, Paul asked James the time, to which James replied, "I don't know, I don't have a watch." Newman, with a decisive gesture, removed his Daytona from his wrist and handed it to Cox, uttering the famous phrase: "Here's a watch. If you wind the crown, it will tell you the time accurately." This spontaneous gesture not only transferred Paul Newman's famous wristwatch to James Cox, but also added a memorable chapter to the history of the watch and its legendary origins. The "Paul Newman Daytona" continues to be one of the most sought-after and collected watches in the world, not only for its high-quality technical features but also for the fascinating history of its original ownership.

In 2017, Nell Newman decided to put the celebrated "Paul Newman Daytona" up for sale, and it was auctioned by Phillips, with the collaboration of Bacs & Russo, a leading figure in the world of luxury watch auctions. The auction attracted considerable interest from collectors and enthusiasts.

The hammer fell at an incredible price of $17.8 million, underscoring the exceptional value and historical significance of this unique timepiece. The sale of the "Paul Newman Daytona" at such a high price further cements its position as one of the most valuable and desirable wristwatches in the world.

This transaction represents a significant chapter in the history of this iconic watch, highlighting its cult status on the auction market and the admiration it continues to inspire among vintage watch enthusiasts today.