As the Rolex Daytona marks its 60th anniversary, two of the late Hollywood icon Paul Newman’s personal Daytona watches are gearing up to fetch a staggering US$1 million each at a Sotheby’s auction in June.
The timepieces, steeped in sentimental and historical significance, offer a rare glimpse into the celebrated racing career of the renowned actor, car racer, and director.
A Racing Legacy Immortalized in Time: On June 9, Sotheby’s will be hosting an auction featuring over 300 personal belongings of Paul Newman and his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward. Among the prized possessions are two Rolex Daytonas that the auction house revealed Newman wore during his illustrious racing career.
The Zenith Daytona Rolex was awarded to Newman in 1995 after he triumphed in Florida’s 24 hours of Daytona Race in the GTS-2 category. At 70 years old, Newman set the record as the endurance contest’s oldest winner. The other Rolex Daytona, crafted in white gold, was a heartfelt gift from Woodward, inscribed with the message “Drive very slowly,” followed by “Joanne” in capital letters.
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Quoting Sotheby’s, these watches are “imbued with sentimental and historical value imparting from pinnacle moments in Newman’s celebrated racing career.“
A Million-Dollar Bid for a Piece of History: each of the Rolex Daytonas is estimated to be worth between US$500,000 and US$1 million, but the ultimate selling price will be determined by the highest bidder during the June auction. Newman’s Rolex watches have a history of achieving record-breaking prices; in 2017, a Rolex belonging to the actor, who passed away in 2008, sold for a staggering US$17.8 million at a New York auction house, setting a world record for a wristwatch.
As the Rolex Daytona commemorates its 60th anniversary, the upcoming Sotheby’s auction not only provides an opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Newman’s storied racing legacy but also serves as a celebration of the enduring appeal and allure of the iconic timepiece. With their sentimental and historical significance, these watches promise to captivate bidders and enthusiasts alike, making this auction an event to remember.
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