Not all vintage Ferrari 275 GTB are created  equal.

A 275 GTB/4 for example is more valuable than a 275 GTB.  It’s the same for Rolex Daytona. Even among the most sought after version, the so- called Paul Newman version, there are differences and not all Paul Newman Daytona are created equal.

Let us explain.

A 6239 exotic dial (Paul Newman) with a steel bezel insert is not as sought after as a 6241 with black Bakelite insert. Same watch, different insert but big difference in price.

What is even more interesting: within the Paul Newman world of Daytona- the rarest is not necessarily the most valuable.

The watch above is a Reference 6263 or so called ‘Panda‘ Paul Newman. It is among the last Paul Newman references made with screw down pushers (made in 1971). It only has two colors on the dial, black and white and collectors seem to prize this simplicity.

The 6263 reference is a nice watch but it is not particularly rare. In fact there are rarer references like the 6264 (see here for a nice example that Christies is selling), which was only produced for one year. But collectors pay a big premium for the Panda 6263. Clearly the screw down pushers play a role, giving the watch a more masculine look, but collectors seem to like the simplicity of the two color dial layout and are willing to pay a big premium for it. So the Panda version seen above is a good example of where good looks trump rarity and where less is more (in terms of colors on the dial).

We tend to agree.

We think the Panda is the most attractive exotic dial or Paul Newman that a collector can own. We also think the market correctly places a premium on the screw down pushers which give the watch a more masculine look (despite the fact that the watch is probably better in water too). The example that Christies is selling is a fine example and comes from a private collector. The dial looks largely original – still retaining what it seems is the original lume. The bezel insert is also correct (it is amazing how many are incorrect). The bracelet carries the correct date on the clasp 71. Lastly and importantly – the watch was not excessively polished with the numbers still readable between the lugs. For more information on this watch please click here.

NB: All picture credits belong to Christies. For an excellent overview on the different Daytona Paul Newman available, please see the video report Hodinkee did earlier this year here.

The movement features the new and improved calibre by Valjoux called 727 which is in itself a piece of art.

by Edmond Saran