The Rolex Daytona watch that actor and race driver Paul Newman wore pretty much every day for many years is going up for auction in New York in October.
The “Paul Newman” Daytona — reference 6239, a rare watch initially rejected by consumers because of its unusual dial – is expected to fetch upwards of US$1 million.
The watch was always believed to have been part of Newman’s estate after his death in 2008. But he had given it years earlier to his daughter Nell’s friend Paul Cox.
Nell is one of Newman’s four daughters. Cox is selling the watch, with proceeds going to the Nell Newman Foundation.
On the back of the watch are engraved the words “Drive Carefully Me”, from Newman’s wife Joanne Woodward.
So-called Paul Newman Daytonas have surged in value in recent years, with examples in good shape starting at around US$150,000. But this is genuine article, the original, worn by one of Hollywood’s heroes.