Rolex. An Extremely Fine and Very Rare 18k Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Lemon "Paul Newman" Dial
This watch is pictured with straps made of endange… Read more
Rolex. An Extremely Fine and Very Rare 18k Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Lemon "Paul Newman" Dial

Signed Rolex, Cosmograph, Daytona, Paul Newman Model, Ref. 6264, Case No. 2'357'480, Circa 1969

Details
Rolex. An Extremely Fine and Very Rare 18k Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Lemon "Paul Newman" Dial
Signed Rolex, Cosmograph, Daytona, Paul Newman Model, Ref. 6264, Case No. 2'357'480, Circa 1969
Movement: Manual, Cal. 727, 17 jewels
Dial: Light yellow, applied square numerals with luminous accents, luminous hands, three black subsidiary dials
Case: 18k gold, black bezel, screw back, two round buttons in the band, inside case back stamped 6241, 37mm diam.
Buckle: Rolex gold buckle
Provenance
The Property of an Important European Private Collector
Special notice
This watch is pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the auction. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot.
Sale room notice
This Lot is Withdrawn.

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.



More from An Evening of Exceptional Watches

View All
View All