Phillips To Offer Jabouille’s Rolex “Big Red” Daytona in Upcoming NYC Auction

Summary

• Phillips will auction Jean-Pierre Jabouille’s Rolex “Big Red” Daytona
• Renault gifted it for his 1979 French Grand Prix win
• Estimated between $50,000 – $100,000 USD, the auction will take place on June 7–8 in New York

Phillips is set to offer a historically significant Rolex Cosmograph “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6265 in its upcoming New York Watch Auction: XII. This particular timepiece once belonged to French Formula One champion Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who received it from Renault following his victory at the 1979 French Grand Prix. This marked the milestone of Renault’s first-ever F1 win and the first triumph for a French car and racing team. Underscoring its sentimental and historical value, the caseback is engraved with the dedication “DIE TO DRIVE – RENAULT F1 – J.P.J. 79”, a testament to Jabouille’s pioneering spirit in motorsport.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 was first introduced in 1969 and remained in production until 1987, replacing the original Oyster Cosmograph model. Distinguished by its screw-down pushers, which enhanced water resistance, this model carried the coveted “Oyster” designation on its dial. The case of Jabouille’s watch dates back to 1972 and retains its original millerighe mark I pushers, a rare feature among vintage Daytonas. When Renault gifted him the watch in 1979, it was likely fitted with a “new old stock” Big Red dial, correct for that era, further enhancing its authenticity and desirability.

Having remained in the Jabouille family collection for nearly five decades, this timepiece is now set to go under the hammer with an estimated auction price between $50,000 and $100,000 USD. Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XII will take place from June 7-8, 2025, at the auction house’s Midtown Manhattan location. Interested collectors can explore the full auction catalog through Phillips’ official website.