On October 26 the auction house Phillips in collaboration with Bacs & Russo presents the ICONS auction – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century in New York. A unique opportunity for collectors from all over the world.
But the uniqueness of this autumn auction is that there will be the one and only rolex”Paul NewmanCosmograph Daytona owned and worn by Paul Newman. With an absolutely superb provenance, it is the watch that has the most prestigious Daytona versions of the Rolex that is universally regarded as one of the world's most sought after and collectable of all mechanical wristwatches.
A Hollywood legend in every sense, the mere mention of the name conjures up images of Paul Newman as an actor, director, racing driver, entrepreneur, family man, and philanthropist. He was a multifaceted virtuoso and his incredible performances on screen and stage captivated audiences forever.
Outside of his artistic pursuits, Newman had long been passionate about speed. We recall his role in the 1969 film, Winning, thus launching him into a very successful career in motor racing. Applying the same methodical discipline he also honed his acting skills, training relentlessly, and would go on to win many races throughout his life – boasting a second-place finish in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.
But even in the first days on the set of Winning, Joanne - the wife - finding herself strongly uncomfortable with her husband's racing, fearing that he would get hurt in an accident, decided to give her husband a Rolex Cosmograph, probably buying it from Tiffany & Co. Daytona – a watch designed specifically for motorsport, and on its case back he wanted to engrave ” DRIVE CAREFULLY ME ” written sincerely and above all a true declaration of love.
A woman of exceptional taste, in choosing a rare and exclusive version of the Cosmograph Daytona – a reference 6239. The reference 6239 which is the first model in the iconic Cosmograph Rolex “Daytona” series – produced from 1963 until about 1970. It was the firm's first chronograph with a tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel, designed to instantly and clearly measure speed.
During his career, Paul Newman wore many different generations of Daytona models. This is the first Daytona he wore. He is equipped with the most famous dial, mounted on the most famous collectors' watches, produced by the most famous watch brand.
Now James and Nell have jointly decided to sell the watch, where a portion of the proceeds will go to the Nell Newman Foundation. The charitable foundation supports her father's philanthropic values, while serving Nell's commitment to organic food and sustainable agriculture. A second portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit Newman's Own Way Foundation.
This top lot of the groundbreaking WINNING ICONS auction will be offered with an excess estimate of US $1,0 million.
Full article in MANIFESTO12 (in English)
