Requiring almost no introduction, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watches fitted with “Paul Newman” dials have been and continue to be the most iconic and coveted of the Daytona family of references, the present lot being the rare and transitional reference 6262.

Originally launched in the late 1960’s, reference 6262 with solid bezel and engraved tachymeter scale was offered alongside reference 6264 with a black acrylic bezel. Both references, with pump pushers, were made for approximately 3 years before reference 6263 and reference 6265, both with screw down pushers, would replace them and become the dominant Daytona references through the late 1980’s.

The present lot, reference 6262 bearing a 2.5 million serial number and dating from 1970, was consigned by the nephew of the original owner. The watch features a strong case and spectacularly well preserved “Paul Newman” “Panda” dial with a wonderful warm ivory tone and a hint of color change in the outer ring. A grail among collectors worldwide, this reference 6262 “Paul Newman” is exactly the kind of watch one hopes to find in what can often be a lengthy search for a fantastic and original example, particularly one from the family of the original owner.