The Tale of Paul Newman's Iconic Daytona A watch that shattered records with its staggering $18 million auction sale, the timepiece that adorned the wrist of the legendary Paul Newman...
The Tale of Paul Newman's Iconic Daytona
A watch that shattered records with its staggering $18 million auction sale, the timepiece that adorned the wrist of the legendary Paul Newman – the Rolex Daytona, especially in its 'Paul Newman' iteration, stands as one of the most coveted vintage watches in the collector's world.
Paul Newman, a distinguished American actor born in Cleveland in 1925, led a life marked by multifaceted achievements. Serving in the US Navy Air Corps during WWII and later engaging in football at Kenyon College, his journey continued with endeavors in his family's business. His path eventually led him to Yale, where he delved into drama studies. The Broadway stage beckoned in 1953 with "Picnic," where he met his future wife. His illustrious acting career unfolded in the latter half of the 20th century, marked by numerous iconic film roles.
Yet, the Rolex Daytona tale intertwines with Newman's diverse interests. A prominent race car driver, owner of a food company, and a participant in the world of open-wheel Indy Car racing, Newman's legacy in the automotive sphere is undeniable. He clinched national championships in the Sports Car Club of America road racing, and his race teams triumphed in the world of racing. Notably, he even participated in the prestigious 1979 Le Mans race.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 / Credit: Phillips
As a forceful celebrity spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries, Newman's star power undoubtedly contributed to the fervor surrounding his timepieces. According to records, Newman's association with the ref. 6239 Rolex Daytona began when his wife, Joanne Woodward, gifted it to him from Tiffany's in New York in 1968. This very watch, engraved "Drive Carefully Me" on its caseback and housing the manual winding caliber 722, adorned Newman's wrist during his illustrious acting career in the 1970s and 1980s.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 with a letter written by his daughter confirming the watch’s provenance / Credit: Phillips
Interestingly, the ownership journey of this Rolex took an unexpected turn. The watch eventually found its way into the possession of James Cox, the ex-boyfriend of Newman's daughter. Given to him by Paul Newman himself in 1984, Cox held onto the watch for 33 years before finally selling it through Phillips in 2017, nine years after Newman's passing.
Newman's narrative extends beyond horology. In 2008, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, a condition that was widely reported. On September 26, 2008, he passed away at his Westport, Connecticut home, marking the end of an era for a man whose influence reached across the realms of acting, racing, and even the coveted world of Rolex timepieces.
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