Paul Newman's Rolex 6263 “Big Red” Daytona Sells for $5.5 Million USD
With a “Drive slowly Joanne” caseback engraving.
Phillips Auction has just announced some pretty impressive results from its RACING PULSE auction. While Sylvester Stallone’s private collection reached considerable prices — his Panerai Luminor worn in Daylight sold for $214,200 USD — a very special watch stole the headlines.
Paul Newman‘s Rolex “Big Red” Daytona, consigned by his daughter, Clea Newman Soderlund, brought in a staggering $5,475,000 USD. This watch now holds third place in terms of the highest auction price for a Rolex. Passed down to his daughter, Clea Newman Soderlund comments: “He wore the watch nearly every day until he gave it to me. He was photographed wearing it on numerous occasions as was I. It has been a treasure of mine for almost thirteen years. To me, this watch shows my mother’s tolerance of his continued passion for racing and reflects the enduring love between them which remained for another 25 years until his passing.”
The watch was a gift from Newman’s wife Joanne Woodward in 1983 celebrating their 25th anniversary. As a little good luck charm, and to remind him to stay safe on the track, she had a special “Drive slowly Joanne” message engraved on the Rolex 6263’s caseback.
Altogether, RACING PULSE brought in $27.6 million USD with $2.1 million USD going towards the One Drop Foundation. For Phillips, this action ended with a total that was 10 times its estimate and double its previous record.
For more watch news, 1965’s King Seiko watch returns to celebrate 140 years of top-shelf watchmaking.
