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PoyFR shares an exciting auction result for a rare Rolex Daytona "John Player Special," highlighting its record-setting sale price of $1.5 million. This post delves into the unique characteristics that make this particular reference highly coveted among collectors, including its 18k yellow gold case and "Paul Newman" exotic dial. The discussion that follows provides additional context and a touch of humor regarding the nuances of auction reporting.
Record $1.5 million for a rare'JOHN PLAYER SPECIAL' Rolex Daytona
This unique luxury watch also set a record for an online auction.
Reported by maxim.com - Steve HUFF
The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman ref. 6264 “John Player Special” isn't your everyday luxury timepiece, and no further proof is needed than knowing it just went for a record-setting £1,215,000 ($1,545,723 USD) on auction at Sotheby’s.
This 18k yellow gold masterpiece isn't quite one of a kind—a nearly identical model is featured in the 2018 video below—but it's close.
That's why the auction actually set a couple of benchmarks—in addition to being the United Kingdom record-holder for the most expensive watch ever sold it is also the most costly sold online.
If the model's name doesn't ring a bell for Americans, Gear Patrol has a bit of history for us:
The "John Player Special," so named for the John Player-brand cigarettes livery found on 1970s Lotus Formula One cars, describes a special black and gold look that's instantly recognizable to collectors and Daytona devotees. This particular JPS is (...) notable, however, for having been produced in 18k yellow gold rather than steel (only about 10 examples are known) and further, for featuring a "Paul Newman"-style exotic dial in black.
The "John Player" blew past the original estimated price in the high hundred thousands.
Here are some specs from Sotheby's listing for the now-closed auction:
Dial: black Paul Newman John Player Special
Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down back
Case number: 2'357'405
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Rolex presentation case
Sotheby's also noted that the watch was "in good condition, with lights minor scuffs throughout."
Imagine what it would have sold for without those minor flaws.
If you missed your chance, don't worry—Sotheby's has many more Rolexes available for auction. They probably aren't even that scuffed.
The Rolex Daytona reference 6241 is a manually wound chronograph, part of the early generation of Cosmograph Daytona models. It is distinguished by its acrylic bezel with a tachymeter scale, a feature that differentiates it from later references with metal bezels. This reference was produced for a relatively short period, contributing to its distinctiveness within the Daytona lineage.
This reference houses the Valjoux 722-1 caliber, a column-wheel chronograph movement. The case is typically 37mm in diameter, crafted from stainless steel or 18k yellow gold, with pump pushers for the chronograph functions. Dials were offered in various configurations, including silver or black, often with contrasting sub-dials, and some examples feature the 'Paul Newman' exotic dial.
For collectors, the reference 6241 is highly sought after due to its limited production run and the specific aesthetic of its acrylic bezel. Its connection to the early era of the Daytona, before the introduction of automatic movements, positions it as a significant piece for those interested in the historical development of Rolex's most famous chronograph.
The most popular watch website made the same error: not the most expensive watch to have sold at auction in the UK, rather the most expensive wristwatch. No doubt everyone is copying and pasting the same article. This is a side effect of high prices where the headline just needs a big number to attract readers and accuracy be gone! (I know it's pedantry, but that's part of the fun).
as for record No 1 or last evidently it is here not so important unless one here owns one and has fun all the way to the... safe ;-)
But I can't help but get frustrated by misinformation. I'm not even trying to work on it!
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