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Lot Essay
Rolex reference 6264 was introduced in 1970 and produced for only three years. Together with reference 6262 it was the last Rolex chronograph watch featuring the simple round push-down buttons. All future chronograph references, starting with references 6263 and 6265 in 1971 bear screw down chronograph buttons. Reference 6264 was available in stainless steel, as well as 14k and 18k gold. It has a bezel with black plastic insert and white tachymeter graduation.
Of all the Rolex Paul Newman watches, the reference 6264 must be considered the rarest. The reference 6264 on offer here excites even more. It is is in excellent overall condition, displaying sharp milling on the back and crisp gold marks on the underside of three of the four lugs, as well as beautifully preserved outlines.
This alone would be enough to entice the eager connoisseur. However, the present watch stands out by virtue of its distinguishable lemon-colored dial. The so-called “Lemoncello” Paul Newman refers to the pale hue of the background color, very few examples are known and the shade can vary from watch to watch.
While the originality of lemon dials is undisputed, their origin is shrouded in mystery. A number of theories have been put forward, among the most probable the fact that a small batch of dials was made with such a design either as a stylistic experiment or as a mistake. Subsequently the batch was gradually used during normal production possibly as a backup in case of lack of ready dials from the normal production. This thesis is supported by the fact that while lemon dials have been spotted on at least three different Daytona references, they are outstandingly rare, with a handful of examples known to the public. The aesthetic impact of the dial combined with its rarity and the aura of mystery surrounding its origin, makes this variation one of the most appreciated and sought-after by collectors.
Of all the Rolex Paul Newman watches, the reference 6264 must be considered the rarest. The reference 6264 on offer here excites even more. It is is in excellent overall condition, displaying sharp milling on the back and crisp gold marks on the underside of three of the four lugs, as well as beautifully preserved outlines.
This alone would be enough to entice the eager connoisseur. However, the present watch stands out by virtue of its distinguishable lemon-colored dial. The so-called “Lemoncello” Paul Newman refers to the pale hue of the background color, very few examples are known and the shade can vary from watch to watch.
While the originality of lemon dials is undisputed, their origin is shrouded in mystery. A number of theories have been put forward, among the most probable the fact that a small batch of dials was made with such a design either as a stylistic experiment or as a mistake. Subsequently the batch was gradually used during normal production possibly as a backup in case of lack of ready dials from the normal production. This thesis is supported by the fact that while lemon dials have been spotted on at least three different Daytona references, they are outstandingly rare, with a handful of examples known to the public. The aesthetic impact of the dial combined with its rarity and the aura of mystery surrounding its origin, makes this variation one of the most appreciated and sought-after by collectors.