The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Daytona Watches Sold at Auction

Rolex Daytona watches have long captured the fascination of collectors, known for their exceptional precision, exquisite craftsmanship, and iconic status in the world of luxury horology. The Daytona’s rich history began in 1963 when Rolex introduced the model as a professional chronograph designed specifically for race car drivers. Its ability to measure elapsed time and calculate average speed made it an invaluable tool for motorsport enthusiasts. Over the decades, the Daytona has evolved into one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world, with vintage models particularly prized by collectors due to their rarity and connection to Rolex's storied past.

At Sotheby’s, some of the rarest and most extraordinary Rolex Daytona models have commanded astronomical prices, underscoring the enduring appeal and demand for these exceptional watches. Each sale is a testament to the Daytona’s enduring legacy, with certain pieces standing out not only for their technical achievements but also for their historical significance. In this review, we take a closer look at the top five Rolex Daytona watches ever sold at Sotheby’s.

1. Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Reference 16516 - 25 million HKD (July 2020)

Offered by a private collector and new to the market at time of sale, the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph reference 16516 stands as one of the most exclusive and visually striking examples of a Cosmograph Rolex Daytona driven by the Zenith movement caliber. Crafted by Rolex in 1999, it was the sole known platinum Rolex Daytona featuring a lapis lazuli hardstone dial. It shared the reference number 16516 and a serial number one of two other platinum Rolex Daytonas, which Sotheby's sold in 2018 for $871,000.

Several aspects of this watch contribute to its rarity and allure. Most notably, the dial is made of lapis lazuli hardstone, and the case is fashioned from platinum, the most noble of metals. The watch is marked on the case back and dated XII 1998. This history-making Rolex watch made history twice over due to its exclusivity and incredibly high selling price.

2. Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Reference 16516 - 24 million HKD (April 2021)

Consigned by a private collector and making its market debut, the automatic Rolex Daytona Cosmograph with a lacquered "Stella" dial was an astonishing find. This marks the third platinum reference 16516 to appear on the market, and it is believed there is only one other known platinum example with a coral hardstone dial. Each of these references features a distinct and unique dial, all powered by the Zenith movement caliber 4030.

Manufactured by Rolex in 1998, this is the only known platinum Rolex Daytona Cosmograph with a turquoise blue "Stella" lacquered dial. Its extraordinary attributes include the dial and the platinum case. The watch is inscribed on the case back and dated 1998. Third in the line of platinum Rolex Daytona watches sold by Sotheby's, - a great achievement considering only three models are known - the first known platinum Rolex Daytona was sold in Hong Kong, and the aforementioned lapis lazuli hardstone example made history in 2020 due to its significant winning bid.

3. Rolex Daytona "John Player Special" Reference 6241 - 2 million CHF (May 2023)

For over sixty years, the Rolex Daytona has consistently captivated collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most appealing aspects of these watches is the variety of dial designs, including the highly sought-after Rolex Daytona Paul Newman exotic dials, named after the famous actor. Among these, the Rolex Daytona John Player Special stands out for its rarity and legendary status.

The Rolex Daytona John Player Special was named after the British tobacco-sponsored Team Lotus Formula One car from the 1970s. The Rolex Daytona captures the spirit of motorsports, designed for individuals who push the limits. The aforementioned Formula One car is still celebrated for its elegant black and gold design, mirrored in this watch's black dial and gilt subsidiary dials. The rarity of this watch cannot be overstated, with only 300 of the 3,000 reference 6241 watches produced in 18k yellow gold. Furthermore, only a small fraction featured the coveted John Player Special dial, making this a truly rare and valuable piece with an appropriately large monetary value.

4. Rolex Daytona The 18K JPS Paul Newman Reference 6264 - 1 million GBP (July 2020)

The Rolex Daytona Reference 6264 is renowned as the pinnacle of the pump pushers Rolex Daytona series. Produced in limited quantities from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, this model serves as a transitional link between the two main eras of the manual winding Rolex Daytona. Its case retains the original pump pushers design, and it is equipped with the caliber 727, also used in later screw-down pusher models, references 6263 and 6265.

While most reference 6264 watches were made in stainless steel, a few were crafted in yellow gold. An 18k yellow gold 6264 is a true rarity, with only ten known examples. The appearance of such a watch on the international market was a significant event for connoisseurs when it debuted. These pieces are often the crown jewels of the most distinguished private collections. Among these rare watches, some feature the celebrated Paul Newman Rolex Daytona dial. This particular example, with its black Paul Newman dial, was especially desirable, creating a striking contrast between the gold case and the dark dial.

5. Rolex Daytona Reference 6241 John Player Special - 1.5 million USD (December 2023)

Fresh to the market at the time, the iconic John Player Special 6241 is an astonishingly well-preserved masterpiece in 14k yellow gold. This reference 6241 is distinguished by its untouched dial and case, robust and rich with patina. The exceptional preservation and rarity of this John Player Special cannot be overstated. Offered by the family of its original owner, this piece was a surprise discovery when settling a family estate. Purchased between 1970-71, it saw only a brief period of wear before being stored in a bank’s safety deposit box, forgotten for nearly 50 years before it was brought to our specialists at Sotheby's.

Among the greatest joys of collecting Rolex Daytona watches are the endless variations, including the highly coveted Paul Newman iterations. The John Player Special variant, named for its resemblance to the black and gold livery of John Player Special-sponsored Team Lotus cars of the 1970s, is especially rare. It is believed that 3,000 reference 6241 watches were produced, with only 300 in 18k yellow gold. This particular watch is the rarest of the JPS iterations, cased in 14k yellow gold, a specification made for sale in countries like the United States to avoid import taxes.

Rolex Daytona watches continue to captivate the world of luxury watch collectors with their rich history, timeless design, and rare variations. The exceptional prices achieved at Sotheby's auctions reflect the enduring appeal and immense value of these iconic timepieces. From unique platinum references with stunning hardstone and Stella dials to the legendary John Player Special editions, each Rolex Daytona tells a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and elegance. As the market for luxury watches continues to flourish, a top-selling Rolex Daytona stand as symbols of prestige and refined taste, treasured by collectors across generations.

Advantages to Buying Rolex Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

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.

2. Flexibility

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.

3. Value

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.

4. Discovery

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.

Buy and Sell Your Rolex Daytona Watch with Sotheby's

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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