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Cosmograph Daytona · Nickname guide

Rolex Paul Newman in Naples

The vintage exotic-dial Daytona — among the most valuable wristwatches ever sold.

Illustration of a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman colourway

Reference

6239 / 6241 / 6263 / 6265

Years

1963–1987

Also called

Exotic dial

Bezel / dial

Tachymeter, exotic dial

The Paul Newman, explained.

The “Paul Newman” Daytona is a vintage manual-wind Cosmograph (references such as 6239, 6241, 6263, 6265) fitted with an Art-Deco “exotic” dial. Named for the actor who wore one, the most famous example — his own — sold for 17.8 million dollars in 2017.

Below: what makes the Paul Newman (6239 / 6241 / 6263 / 6265) distinctive, what to verify before buying, and how it fits the Naples collector scene.

The “exotic” dials — with block markers, a contrasting sub-dial ring, and Art-Deco numerals — were slow sellers when new. They became legendary after Paul Newman was repeatedly photographed wearing the 6239 his wife gave him. His own watch's 2017 auction result rewrote the market.

“Paul Newman” describes the dial, not a single reference: it can appear on several 1960s–70s manual-wind Daytona references, each with its own desirability.

What to verify


Checking a Paul Newman before you buy.

  • Authenticate the exotic dial — the single biggest value factor and the most faked element.
  • Match the dial to a correct manual-wind reference (6239, 6241, 6262, 6264, 6263, 6265).
  • Check case, pushers, and bezel originality; service parts materially affect value.
  • Demand specialist authentication and provenance before any transaction.

In Naples


The Paul Newman around Naples.

A genuine Paul Newman is a museum-grade purchase that belongs with a vetted specialist and auction-level authentication, wherever the buyer lives. We include it for reference and education — not as something to buy casually from any seller in Naples or elsewhere.

We are an independent reference, not a dealer: we cannot sell you a Paul Newman or appraise one. What we can do is help you read the reference and know what separates a correct example from a cobbled-together one.

Paul Newman FAQ


The Paul Newman, answered.

What makes a Daytona a “Paul Newman”?

The exotic dial — an Art-Deco layout with block markers and a contrasting sub-dial track — fitted to certain vintage manual-wind Daytona references. The name comes from the actor who famously wore one.

How much did Paul Newman's own Daytona sell for?

His personal 6239 sold at auction in 2017 for 17.8 million dollars including premium, making it one of the most valuable wristwatches ever sold.

Is “Paul Newman” one reference?

No. It refers to the exotic dial, which appears across several 1960s–70s manual-wind Daytona references (6239, 6241, 6263, 6265 and others), each valued differently.

Can I buy a Rolex Paul Newman in Naples?

Naples has an active Rolex market through retail, boutiques, and private sales — but Naples Rolex is an independent reference, not a dealer. We don't sell or broker watches. Use this guide to verify a Paul Newman before you buy, wherever you find it.