At Phillips New York, Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona set the world record for any wristwatch at auction by selling for $17,752,500. The timepiece was purchased by an anonymous buyer after 12 minutes of spirited bidding.

Regarded as the world’s most legendary and sought-after of all mechanical wristwatches, Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona (ref. 6239) is the only “exotic”-dialled Daytona the charismatic actor ever owned, inspiring collectors over the years since to acquire certain models of most prestigious versions of Rolex’s Daytona. The timepiece was given to Newman during his filming of “Winning” in the late 60s by his wife, Joanne Woodward, who purchased it for USD $300. Woodward also added a personal engraving “Drive Carefully – Me” on the case back, a loving inscription reflecting her fears caused by Newman’s need for speed.


Newman later gave the Daytona to his daughter Nell Newman’s ex-boyfriend, James Cox, in 1984. Since that day, James treasured the watch and has preserved it in its original condition, despite the many decades of wear. As we previously reported, a substantial amount of the proceeds will go towards the Nell Newman Foundation charity.