Rare "Lemon Dial" Rolex 'Paul Newman' Daytona

Rare Rolex Daytona with Paul Newman "Lemon Dial" Ref 6264 photo: Xupes.com

As we know, Rolex Daytonas are the hottest things going in the aftermarket.  Rolex Daytonas with Paul Newman Dials are especially rare and coveted.  Add to that a rarer-still, "Lemon Dial" reference 6264 and you have yourself a $1 million starting bid.  Although it doesn't have the history of being worn by Paul Newman himself, this fantastic timepiece can still fetch an outrageous sum at auction. 

Photo: Xupes

Xupes is auctioning off this rare beauty, made from 18k gold.  Not unlike the actual Paul Newman that went for 18 million at auction, this Daytona has a bit of wear and tear.  You can see some scuff marks on the bezel and some tarnishing of the gold around the pushers.  However, it is much finer shape than the original Paul Newman.  And it is in gold rather than stainless steel.  It comes with the original gold band and Rolex clasp. 

Photo: Xupes

Xupes claims that only 5 of these rare Daytonas have ever appeared at auction.  Recent auctions for steel versions of this Daytona reference have recently gone for $734,000 at Sotheby's in April and one for $871,500 at Christie's last year.  However, Rolex produced less versions of the Gold Daytonas and even fewer with the lemon colored dial.  More frequent are the black dials. 

It is very interesting that early on, these Daytona's were quite unpopular.  How things have changed.  The resale value of these Daytonas keep going up.  And Daytonas are the leader in Rolex models - far outstripping other Rolex models in resale value.  Only models with great historical celebrity can even compete with Daytonas - example the Bao Dai Rolex which went for 5 million.