Rolex
Ref. 6264
An extraordinarily rare, extremely attractive, and important yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman Lemon” dial, brown “tropical” subsidiary registers and outer track, bracelet and guarantee
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1970
Reference No : 6264
Case No : 2’357’409
Model Name : Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman Lemon
Material : 18K yellow gold
Calibre : Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm
Clasp/Buckle : 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions : 37.5mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated February 18, 1974 and stamped Brunati and two additional links While any vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with a “Paul Newman” dial can be considered a trophy watch for a collector, when one is found bearing a “Paul Newman Lemon” dial, it becomes an ultimate trophy due to its utmost rarity and attractiveness.
To be considered a “Lemon” Paul Newman, the main dial must have a matte-finished, grené texture with an almost powdery effect with a more cream yellow color than a metallic gold or champagne. Compared with the dial on the champagne Paul Newman Daytonas, the “Lemon” dials feature an intense and creamy shade of yellow that sets them apart. Furthermore, instead of the more commonly-found champagne text within the subsidiary registers, they have vivid, white-printed Art Deco numerals – a coveted characteristic immediately spotted by those who know. Overall, the combination of the creamy yellow dial and stark, white sub-dial numerals is quite striking – especially when paired with a black outer track.
The present timepiece is possibly one of the best preserved reference 6264s with “Lemon Paul Newman” dial to come to the market. Not only is the case incredibly well preserved, with a very thick case displaying sharp facets and edges throughout, the dial is a sight to behold. The dial is striking not just thanks to its excellent state of preservation but especially thanks to the fact that the subdials are turning to a dark brown and the outer track has turned to a seductive light brown giving the watch incredible charisma. The luminous dots remain round, intact and have aged with warm patina, perfectly complementing the striking dial.
Making the present timepiece even more desirable is the presence of its original guarantee, stating the watch was sold on February 18, 1974 and stamped Brunati - a retailer at Zurich that does not exist anymore today. The present watch is thus one of probably less than a handful of examples that still retain original guarantee, making it even more collectible than its peers.
Most of the existing 18K yellow gold “Paul Newman” Daytonas with “Lemon” dial fall within a known serial range, meaning that they were produced within a special batch. To date, the list of Reference 6264 Paul Newmans with Lemon dials include the following serial numbers (please note this is not an exhaustive list):
2'357'384
2'357'385
2’357’409 (the present watch)
2'357'419
2'357'421
2’357’442
2'357'452
2’357’455
2'357'468
2’357’479
Given the fact that the Cosmograph Daytona was originally a commercially produced “tool watch” made for everyday use, the fact that less than a dozen of examples are known with this dial speaks volumes about the rarity of the model.
A grail among grails, the present reference 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon” with tropical dial offers a perfect storm of highly appealing traits which propels the present timepiece to the pinnacle of desirability for the connoisseur of highly important and attractive timepieces. It presents a rare opportunity to acquire not only a trophy piece, but one of the very best examples in that category.
