The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Daytona Panda Watches Sold at Auction

The Rolex Daytona is one of the most iconic and coveted chronographs in watchmaking history. First introduced in 1963, it was designed specifically for professional race car drivers, offering precision timekeeping and a highly legible tachymeter scale. Named after the famed Daytona International Speedway, the Rolex Daytona quickly became synonymous with performance, durability, and timeless style. Over the decades, various iterations have captivated collectors, but none more so than the "Panda" dial models—so named for their striking black and white color scheme. Among them, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona stands as the ultimate grail, made famous by the legendary actor and racer. Here, we explore the five most expensive Rolex Daytona Panda watches ever sold at Sotheby’s, each a testament to the enduring appeal of this horological masterpiece.

This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Panda 6263 sold in December 2022 for an impressive 504,000 USD during Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in New York. The watch was in remarkable condition, complete with its original accessories, including a presentation box, guarantee booklet dated December 6, 1971, and operating instructions. Collectors highly coveted this piece due to its rare Mark 1.5 Singer dial, which featured a crisp ivory and black color scheme.

The timepiece retained its original 5-point Rolex crown and was further distinguished by its screw-down pushers, enhancing water resistance. The signature Art Deco font and distinctive hash marks with small squares on the sub-dials set this watch apart, making it a prime example of the classic Paul Newman Rolex Daytona aesthetic. With its deep historical connection to the endurance race ‘24 Hours of Daytona’ and the legendary Paul Newman himself, this watch remains an enduring icon in the world of vintage Rolex collecting.

This Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman 6263 achieved a staggering sale price of 355,600 GBP during Sotheby’s Fine Watches auction in London in 2023. This timepiece, consigned by the family of its original owner, featured an exceptional ‘exotic’ dial introduced in the mid-1960s. With its triple-color stepped design and sub-dials adorned with Art Deco numerals and square indexes, it bore the distinctive hallmarks of the Paul Newman Daytona. Today, the Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman 6263 remains one of the most sought-after vintage timepieces in the world.

This Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman Cosmograph 6263 fetched 500,000 USD in June 2020, marking another milestone for vintage Rolex auctions. Presented as a fresh-to-market model, it had been meticulously preserved by its original owner for over 50 years. The dial, classified as a "Mark I.75" by collectors, showcased luminous hour markers aged to an attractive caramel hue. Featuring the signature Art Deco font and unique hash marks on the sub-dials, it exemplified the distinct appeal of the Paul Newman dial. Retaining its original Oyster bracelet, pushers, and bezel insert, this timepiece embodied the sporty elegance that has defined the Daytona series for decades. Its rarity and exceptional condition made it a standout piece among vintage Rolex Daytonas, cementing its status as a treasured collector’s item.

This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman 6263, consigned by its original owner, commanded an impressive 412,500 CHF at Sotheby’s in November 2019. A pristine example of Rolex craftsmanship, the watch had only been serviced once for movement verification, preserving its untouched originality. Purchased from Bucherer in the mid-1970s, its serial number (2'085'601) confirmed it as one of the earliest examples of reference 6263, adding to its desirability among collectors. Featuring an ‘MK 1 Panda’ dial with an ivory patina, an MK1 bezel, and first-generation ‘millerighe’ pushers, this watch exemplified the earliest design elements of the Daytona Panda. The presence of fully intact luminous dots further highlighted its exceptional condition. With such impeccable provenance and rarity, this Daytona 6263 stood out as one of the finest vintage Rolex timepieces ever sold at auction.

Selling for an impressive 312,000 USD in December 2024, this Rolex Daytona Panda Paul Newman Reference 6263 is a remarkable find for collectors, especially given its rich family provenance. Featuring a Mark 1.5 Singer dial, it showcases a stunning ivory and faded black chocolate color scheme, alongside the signature 5-point Rolex crown that displays only the coronet. This reference is equipped with screw-down pushers, enhancing water resistance. The dial’s art-deco font and hash marks with small squares on the subsidiary dial are classic "Paul Newman" style traits, while the tropical mocha patina developed from daily use in the sunny region of Jalisco, Mexico, adds an unparalleled level of character to this timepiece.

The Rolex Daytona Panda, particularly the Paul Newman models, continues to capture the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Each of these record-breaking sales at Sotheby’s reflects the timeless appeal, historical significance, and masterful craftsmanship that define the Daytona series. Whether untouched and preserved or carefully restored, these watches remain symbols of precision, luxury, and exclusivity. As demand for vintage Rolex Daytonas continues to grow, these extraordinary timepieces will undoubtedly remain at the pinnacle of horological collecting, solidifying their place as some of the most valuable and sought-after watches in the world.

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.

While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

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