Paul Newman Rolex Daytona 6239: Five years with the Special One
DrStrong
Nicolas has recently told us his ten years love story with his Platinum Patek Philippe World Time :
That story reminded me that I treated myself with a Paul Newman Daytona when I turned 40…and that I’m now 45. That means I have already spent five years with my grail, the watch that I have always considered as the most beautiful one and the absolute “must have” for any vintage Rolex enthusiast.
When I first got interested in vintage Rolex, I fell in love with the watch. I had always been keen on chronographs and to me, the Paul Newman Daytona had just everything:
• The beauty of the dial colors and subdials display. The white color of the Paul Newman Daytona is definitely anything but white, it is more “cream”. Also, the texture of the paint is quite unique. The shape of the subdials and the outside minute ring “step” add to the three dimensional effect of this dial, that makes it so special.
• The history of the watch, with of course the whole “Paul Newman thing” . I have always been a huge fan of the actor and knowing that this model was his personal watch and the one he used to wear on the tracks was another reason for me to like it.
• The little extra that is associated with the watch, a kind of mystery and aura. At the same time, the watch is the most famous vintage Rolex and it is very desirable. But it also scares some people, because they know that there are lots of fakes…. so you definitely have to be an expert to be able to tell a good one from a fake. I have always considered that there are two types of vintage Rolex collectors: those who own a Paul Newman Daytona….and the other ones !
The first time I saw a PN in the metal was in a vintage watch dealer shop in Aix en Provence. It was on the wrist of a very classy Italian collector, who wanted to sell it. It was way above my budget, but I knew that I would have one someday. Then I started to “do my homework” about the watch, study the dial details and variations in order to be able to pull the trigger on a good example some day.
This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2015-04-28 03:43:02 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2015-05-04 21:49:40 When I first got interested in vintage Rolex, I fell in love with the watch. I had always been keen on chronographs and to me, the Paul Newman Daytona had just everything:
• an incredible case, with very sensual curves and a perfect size for my wrist. The Oyster case is very famous for technical reasons and has the reputation of being bullet-proof. But some vintage Rolex models have also very special and sensual curves…something about proportions and balance….to me, the vintage Daytona is the most striking example.
• The beauty of the dial colors and subdials display. The white color of the Paul Newman Daytona is definitely anything but white, it is more “cream”. Also, the texture of the paint is quite unique. The shape of the subdials and the outside minute ring “step” add to the three dimensional effect of this dial, that makes it so special.
• The history of the watch, with of course the whole “Paul Newman thing” . I have always been a huge fan of the actor and knowing that this model was his personal watch and the one he used to wear on the tracks was another reason for me to like it.
• The little extra that is associated with the watch, a kind of mystery and aura. At the same time, the watch is the most famous vintage Rolex and it is very desirable. But it also scares some people, because they know that there are lots of fakes…. so you definitely have to be an expert to be able to tell a good one from a fake. I have always considered that there are two types of vintage Rolex collectors: those who own a Paul Newman Daytona….and the other ones !
About ten years later, I finally spotted a black dial 6239.
But after a couple of months, I realized that the black dial was not for me….So I sold the watch to a good friend collector and started to hunt again, this time for the white dial variation.
About six months later, I found a great example that I could afford. It was a coincidence, but it was just a couple of days before my 40th birthday. So I offered the watch to myself ;-)
So now I’m a happy old collector. I don’t wear my watch on such a regular basis, but I know that I have one….and from time to time, I pick my baby up from the bank vault and take it for a little ride.
Comments:
Baron - Mr Red April 28th, 2015-03:52
Great post, Jeff......really love it. But....you know what i am going to post next????? Because if you are celebrating 5yrs with your PN........ I must be celebrating 5yrs with your PN too!!
DrStrong April 30th, 2015-04:13
I'm looking forward to that post my friend I know the watch is in good hands !
Le Monde Edmond April 28th, 2015-04:02
It is a nice story There are many parts that I really like. Like treating yourself for your 4oth birthday. Doing research on trying to buy the best example. Your right. There is something alluring about the PN Daytona for sure. It is an attractive watch. No doubt. And it do...
DrStrong April 30th, 2015-04:17
Twenty years ago... ... owning a PN was not so much about money - the prices were not as crazy as today - but more about finding a correct one and having the knowledge to buy it. The world of vintage Rolex has become a little bit crazy lately and a dealer can now find anythi...
Le Monde Edmond April 30th, 2015-07:01
Very true I wish I could have witnessed that time. But I was too young and interested in other things. I guess we play the cards we are dealt with. But I can imagine that 20 years ago collecting had many charms and innocence that today is not the case. I wonder how...
Mark in Paris April 28th, 2015-04:35
That's a love story which ends pretty well Some watch fan don't even find which watch could be their grail one. You identified one and you acquired it, so congratulations! A very nice post which makes dream even more. Cheers, Mark
Subexplorer April 28th, 2015-07:03
Great love story! A very special watch for sure! Keep loving it Jeff!
amanico April 28th, 2015-07:58
Great story behind this one, Jeff. There are watches which are important for us, and there are watches which are very important. This one belongs to the last category, for you, obviously. The fact that you chose it for your 40th is not neutral, of course. Now, black or white? I really don'...
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