Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial

.Rolex Models.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with the "Paul Newman" dial (Reference #6263) comes in two different dial configurations. The one with a white background and black sub-dials shown in the photo below is known as the 'Panda' and is up for sale by Phillips Auction House in their Rolex Milestones auction set to take place on November 28th in Hong Kong. One of the differences between this and the "Oyster Sotto" version, with the black dial and white sub-dials, is the sequence of the words "Rolex Oyster Cosmograph" on the dial. On the black version the word "Oyster" is at the bottom, hence the name. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial (photo: Phillips)
Estimated to take in between $350,000 and $700,000 US at the auction, this reference is unique not only due to the limited quantities of the "Paul Newman" dial that exist on the watch market, but also because of the tropical coloration of the outer track on the dial. In this case, the word "tropical" refers to the brown tone of the once black outer track of the dial. The discoloration, while a sign of age, is also an indication of the authenticity of the piece. With the rarity of "Paul Newman" Daytona models due to their unpopularity at the time of their release, finding one with its original parts, including its original bracelet, makes it even more attractive to collectors.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial (photo: Phillips)
There are a few other Cosmograph Daytona models set for auction by Phillips later this month, including an "Oyster Sotto" estimated to take in anywhere from $600,000 to $1,200,000 US. For a model configuration that was so unpopular at the time of production, the "Paul Newman" Daytona has certainly come a long way from sitting in stock for years at dealers in the seventies and eighties. Bringing in up to seven figures, it is a testament to the every changing sentiments and tastes of watch collectors over time. For more information on all of the pieces up for auction, visit phillips.com.

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What is the Difference Between Watch Precision vs Accuracy?

.FAQ.
What is the Difference Between Watch Precision vs Accuracy? (photo: Niklas Rhose)
Generally speaking, the idea behind wearing a wristwatch is being able to tell the time with a glance at your wrist. While there are many other reasons for choosing to wear a watch, its ability to tell time accurately is of utmost importance. However, there is some confusion regarding the difference between the precision of a watch and its accuracy. Watchmakers test a watch's precision before it leaves the manufacture, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will tell time accurately when it is on your wrist. 

Precision

When watchmakers test precision, they are looking for how close one measurement is to another. For example, when shooting archery, the measure of precision refers to the grouping of the arrows on the target independently of how close those arrows came to the bullseye. Similarly, if a watch measures time with the same variation every day, it is precise, even if it is losing 6 seconds a day. As long as the loss remains at 6 seconds each day, the watch is measuring time precisely, though perhaps not accurately.

Accuracy 

Using the archery example, you can think of accuracy as how close the arrows get to the bullseye. Accuracy is measured against a standard measurement, in the case of watches a measurement of time. So, your watch is only accurate if it tells the right time, even though it can be extremely precise while telling the wrong time every day. There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of your timepiece, including behavioral factors like how much you move your wrist throughout the day and how you store your watch when not in use.

Watchmakers like Rolex publish the precision of their watches after testing them in-house. While the watch may be precise up to -2/+2 seconds per day, that doesn't mean that it will not gain or lose more when on your wrist. However, it is a good indication that the timepiece is capable of keeping accurate time. For more information on how Rolex tests their watches, visit rolex.com. For information on their Superlative Chronometer Certification, check out my post on the subject here.

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Every Rolex Tells a Story: Sir Jackie Stewart

.Celebrities.
Every Rolex Tells a Story: Sir Jackie Stewart (photo: Rolex)
Sir Jackie Stewart, or the "Flying Scot" as he is also known, is a legendary Formula 1 race car driver that has been a Rolex Testimonee for half a century. He won three World Drivers' Championships between 1965 and 1973 and worked as a sports commentator and racing safety advocate thereafter. He has been honored by Sports Illustrated, BBC and ABC for his accomplishments in racing and continues to be involved with the sport to this day.

Sir Jackie Stewart's Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

"The most important thing I learned as a Grand Prix driver was mind management. I found out that if I removed emotion, I was going to be less likely to do the wrong thing," Stewart says about his strategy for success on the racetrack. Unsurprisingly, the model of choice for this gear head is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona shown in the photo above. He has already given Rolex watches to his sons and grandchildren as an inheritance. 

"It’s nice to have been a champion. I think I still want to be a champion at whatever I do — and that’s still a challenge. When I look at my watch today, I see all of that." For more information visit rolex.com. 

Rolex Reference 4645 "Neptune" Non-Oyster Yellow Gold Watch

.Rolex Models.
Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History is a Phillips auction set to take place in Hong Kong on November 28, 2016 that features a collection of rare and historical vintage Rolex watches curated by John Goldberger. With some lots estimated to take in seven figures, this collection represents the top tier of vintage Rolex models found around the world. Some pieces, like Reference 4645 shown in the photo below, are singular representations of the fine craftsmanship that has represented the watchmaker for over a century. 

Rolex Reference 4645 "Neptune" Non-Oyster Yellow Gold Watch (photo: Phillips)
A yellow gold non-Oyster reference featuring a square case and cloisonné enamel design, the "Neptune" stands out amongst other Rolex references. It was created by famous enameler Mrs. Nelly Richard for Stern Fréres as commissioned by Rolex at the time. Very few such dials have ever been seen and there is no record of any other with the Neptune depicted on it. The cloisons used to bring the scene to life required much skill and attention to detail. The hand-painted shapes were hammered out and filled with enamel paste and fired in a kiln.

This automatic wristwatch features an 18 carat gold case measuring 31 millimeters equipped with a 178 millimeter yellow gold bracelet and a folding deployant clasp. It was manufactured around 1953, likely for a very important client. The back of the dial is stamped with Stern Fréres numbers, including the client code for Rolex, 103. The estimated auction price for this reference is between $500,000 to $1,000,000 US. For more information on this and the other pieces that will go for auction in Hong Kong, visit phillips.com.

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2016 Rolex Air-King

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
With a legacy that dates back almost a century to the golden age of aviation, the Air-King model was re-introduced by Rolex at Baselworld 2016 with a few updates. The case was sized up to 40 millimeters in diameter and the dial now features a prominent minutes scale and large arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. This uncomplicated wristwatch combines classical design with new aesthetic elements to create a legible display that takes advantage of the larger dial.

2016 Rolex Air-King Model (photo: Rolex/Samuel Scrimshaw)

Technical Details

The 2016 Rolex Air-King (Reference # 116900) is powered by a perpetual calibre 3131 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. This movement features a power reserve of 48 hours and is also used in the Milgauss model. Inside the movement the blue Parachrom hairspring and paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel work with 31 rubies and four gold Microstella nuts to keep this watch precise up to -2/+2 seconds per day. The Oyster case is made from Rolex's 904L stainless steel alloy and is sealed with a Twinlock winding crown, giving the timepiece a depth rating of 100 meters. Its Oysterclasp is equipped with an Easylink comfort extension that extends the Oyster bracelet by 5 millimeters.

Design

One of the classic design features is the font used for the Air-King model name printed on the black dial, the same lettering used on models dating back to the 1950s. New design elements include the minutes scale printed in white between the large arabic hour markers in 18 ct white gold. The Rolex logo is printed just below 12 o'clock in yellow and green, a first for the watchmaker. The seconds hand also features a green color, the hallmark color of the watchmaker. The triangular marker at 12 o'clock and the hands are filled with Chromalight luminescence for visibility at night.

Legibility

While the larger size of this model configuration makes the display more visible in daylight, the lack of luminescence on the hour markers makes it more difficult to tell the time in the dark. The green and yellow logo may be a new feature introduced on this model, but it is debatable as to whether it adds to detracts from the aesthetic of the watch. At just 1 millimeter larger than the Explorer, this model offers similar functionality, however the luminescence added to the Explorer's arabic numerals in the 2016 model makes it easier to read in the darkness.

Legacy

The appeal of the 2016 Air-King comes from the model's ties to the world of aviation. Generations of pilots have trusted Rolex watches to keep accurate time in the skies. While the watchmaker offers other pilot's watches, like the GMT and Sky-Dweller, the Air-King came first and therefor has the benefit of its legacy to keep it relevant today, even without the complications that make the other pilot's watches more appealing in practicality. For more information on this model, visit rolex.com.

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