Rare Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" to Lead Bonhams Paris Fine Watches Auction
Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr will hold its Paris Fine Watches auction on 17 June 2026, bringing together a carefully selected catalogue of collectible timepieces from some of the most respected names in watchmaking.
The sale will feature watches from brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breitling, Breguet and IWC, offering collectors a broad selection of vintage and contemporary pieces.
Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" Takes Centre Stage
The headline lot of the auction is a rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6239 dating from approximately 1968.
The watch is fitted with the highly desirable "Paul Newman" dial, one of the most recognisable and sought-after dial configurations in vintage Rolex collecting. Produced by Singer, the so-called "exotic" dial became closely associated with actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, who famously wore the model both in promotional material for the 1969 film Winning and throughout much of his personal life.
Over the decades, the nickname became firmly established among collectors and remains one of the most recognisable nicknames in vintage Rolex collecting.
A Distinctive Dial Design
The appeal of the Ref. 6239 lies largely in the unique design of its dial.
Characterised by its striking three-dimensional appearance, the dial features recessed subsidiary counters and an outer scale set against an opaque black background. These details distinguish the "Paul Newman" configuration from standard Daytona dials of the period.
The combination of its distinctive dial design and association with Paul Newman has made the reference particularly popular among collectors.
Estimated at up to €180,000
The stainless steel manual-wind chronograph is offered on a bracelet and carries a pre-sale estimate of €120,000 to €180,000.
The watch is among the most notable lots in the upcoming sale and is expected to attract significant interest from collectors of vintage Rolex models.
The June auction will provide collectors with an opportunity to acquire pieces from some of watchmaking's most prestigious manufacturers, with the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 standing out as one of the sale's key highlights.
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