Followers of my blog will know that I have been attracted to gold watches with gold bracelets for a long time. There is something warm about the material gold.
In fact, I think gold has made a large comeback in the collecting community. I see it with the Nautilus but also with the Daytona. Collectors all over the world have legitimised gold watches.
What do I mean by that?
Well today you can wear a full gold watch – with gold bracelet- in a T -shirt and jeans* and it looks totally cool and acceptable. I see it in my city – even in conservative Zurich. Many twenty-year olds sporting gold Rolex watches wearing baseball caps and jeans. It is the new normal so to speak – the days are over when the only time you would see gold was on your grandfather’s day-date.
Given this new reality out there, I decided to do the following:
I am going to write about the most attractive material right now, gold, together with the hottest watch model on the planet, the Daytona.
*(Credit: M).
(I am only writing about 4 digit model Daytona and have left later ones and automatic models out of my report).
(The King of gold Daytona above – known also ‘The Legend’ – 3 known pieces).
The gold Daytona is somewhat of a paradox.
The steel version with its launch in 1963 was intended as a tool watch to help racing drivers. It was light and legible – the first time Rolex put the tachymeter directly on the bezel instead of on the dial. Steel also being the preferred model as it is relatively robust and scratch proof. When Rolex brought out the gold version, it was not well received by collectors initially. It was expensive and not very practical.
Today the opposite is true.
Gold is highly coveted among collectors due to its warmth and its powerful appearance. Gold Daytona enjoys immense popularity due to the fact that they are much rarer and more glamorous than its more casual and sporty steel counterpart. Also, we cannot forget that most Gold Daytona have a chronometer rating (at least from 6263 onwards) something the steel watches do not carry.
In that sense, the Gold Daytona was an entirely different animal than the steel version. In the car world I would compare it to a 1960s Aston Martin versus a Jaguar of the same period. Both are great cars, but one was made in much less numbers and built to higher standard and quality.
Of the 40’000 pieces of the 6263 and 6265 produced over an 18 year period, only a mere 2-4’000 are estimated to have been made in gold (less than 10% of total production if we take high end estimate). Out of which only 1-3% are assumed to have been made in 14k Gold, predominantly for the US market.
Here is, according to my understanding and taste, the most collectible of Gold Daytona.
- Gold 6263 Panda Exotic dial: Only 3 pieces known. One sold last year for CHF 3.7m.
- Gold 6270 Pave dial and diamond baguette bezel – Only 20 known – mostly for Oman.*
- Gold 6269 with brilliant cut diamonds, 100 pieces total**
- Gold 6264 Exotic dial PN Limoncello: Relatively rare, white sub registers print.
- Gold 6241 Exotic dial PN JPS in 14kt gold – John Player Special
- Gold 6239 Exotic dial PN champagne dial 6239 – made in very few pieces
- Gold 6265 Khanjar Daytona – extremely rare
- Gold 6263 Black dial Oyster split – extremely rare split version with oyster
- Gold 6263 Black dial 3 line – I wrote a recent article about this watch
- Gold 6265 oyster split – same principle as Nr 5 above***
- Gold 6263 Champagne dial – maybe my favourite Daytona in gold.
- Gold 6263 Black dial 4 line – a classic among the screw down models
- Gold 6265 Black dial with normal dial layout
- Gold 6241 Exotic dial PN champagne dial – a classic gold PN dial.
- Gold 6241 Black dial 3 lines
- Gold 6239 – a rare watch and the first Daytona model. Est. 300 made.
A few comments on the list above:
This list is not finite nor is it a fixed ranking. This list is based purely on my personal taste (50%) and partially also on the importance the market has assigned to these watches in terms of prices (50%).
For example, I personally think all screw down pushers in gold are more attractive than pump pushers (I didn’t think always like this). That is why they all rank higher (except for Paul Newman or exotic dial models which have their ranking based on prices achieved). It why for example a 6265 black dial gets a higher ranking for me than a 6241 PN Champagne dial Daytona.
Many collectors will not agree with my list and I fully respect and understand this. Again, this ranking is based also on my personal taste.
Also, there are many other variations of gold Daytona I have left out.
For example, I choose to leave out a 6264 two line dial as it does not move me. I left out many special dials such as a white sub-registers 6241 (but included it in the photos in the end) and also left out a 6263 (white registers) models champagne dial. I also left out a 6263 sigma dial**** (but included it in the end). Also, since some Gold Daytona have never appeared at auction, like a Gold 6263 Green Khanjar* or a Gold 6239 Pulsation dial, (one piece known to market)** I did not know how to rank them and have left them out of my list.
All the models I mentioned above and have left out are very important watches that belong to the pinnacle of gold Daytona collecting. They would easily qualify to be on this list.
So, it is important to note: This ranking is merely my top 16 favourite Daytona that I have either seen in person or followed at an auction so far. It is not a complete list by any means. For a comprehensive overview of gold Daytona in all variations – I recommend the Pucci Papaleo Book – Ultimate Rolex Daytona.
For many or other versions of Gold Daytona other than the list, please see below. I have included almost every single Gold variation that I could think of.
* & ** Credit: Pucci Papaleo Editore
Let us go into some more detail of each of the 16 Gold Daytona listed above:
Gold 6263 Panda Exotic dial: Also known as the legend, there are apparently only 3 known to the market. What is special with these? Well they are similar to the iconic Panda 6263 in steel- that has become one of the benchmark PN Daytona to own. The only major difference – the legend is cased in gold. Same exotic dial but gold case. It is the only PN dial with screw pushers to be cased in gold – all other Daytona models in gold are pump pushers. Rarity has its price – the last one traded for CHF 3.7m.
Gold 6270 with or without pave dial & diamond baguette Bezel: The 6270 is one of the rarest Rolex Daytona references. Only made in 12 pieces that are known (20 total according to Rolex), it exists in a variation of combinations such as, Pave dial but also only baguette bezel without pave dial (see below). The earliest ones with Pave dial are rumoured to have been sent to Oman. They are among the most collectable Daytona and already in 2014 have changed hands for near the CHF1m mark. Its sister reference 6269 is more common (circa 100 pieces) and the key differentiator is that it has a brilliant cut diamond bezel versus baguette for the 6270. Are these more valuable than some PN? Probably not. But they are more important watches in my view and thus they get my Nr 2 ranking.
Gold 6269 with pave or non pave dial: You might ask why on earth I put another gem stoned Daytona in front of gold Daytona like the JPS or 6239? A friend of mine recently came up with a damn good argument on why these gem stoned watches are important: Have you ever heard of someone faking this reference? Neither have I. I don’t want to know how many false PN even in gold are circulating. Believe me there are many. Additionally this ref is simply beautiful – with or without Pave dial. Prices have been strong too. There are two series of dials. This is the only known first series with misaligned stones which is correct for this watch and recently one changed hands at Phillips (with the Pave dial) for CHF 600k (see picture below) which in hindsight might look like a bargain.
Gold 6264 exotic dial PN Limoncello: Lately, these Daytona’s have been fetching big prices. Originally thought to be very rare – quite a few have come to the market recently, the last one fetching over $1.25m in HK at Christies. The key differentiator of this model being the lemon coloured dial and white print on the sub-registers. There are rumours that all these lemon dials are actually service dials; but so far the evidence has been lackluster to support such a theory (and prices achieved at auction would indicate otherwise).
Gold 6241 Exotic dial PN JPS in 14k gold: First it is important to note that JPS exists in multiple references (6241 and 6264 and gold variations (both 14k and 18k). It seems to be that the 14k is less seldom seen and which I why I included this watch in the important list above. According to Christies less than 10 pieces in 14k have appeared at auction in the past 20 years. Prices are creeping ever upwards. Phillips recently sold a beautiful example for nearly CHF 1m (see picture below). The case of this watch was incredibly strong.
Gold 6239 Exotic dial PN champagne dial: I think it might be fair to say that the 6239 in gold is rarer than the 6241 above it. So why did I place this lower down in my ranking? Well for the following reason: Like it or not, aesthetics play a role in collecting. Collectors (myself included) prefer black bezel inserts on Daytona – especially in gold – giving the watch a slightly sportier look. But there are exceptional gold 6239 out there and the one sold at Phillips is a good example of that. A private collector paid close to CHF 1m for this below. Original sticker on the back included.
Gold 6265 Red Khanjar: Made in extremely small numbers for the Sultanate of Oman and coming originally from Asprey – makes it easily one of the most collectible Gold Daytona on the market (there exists also a Green Khanjar 6263 Gold).* This watch sold at Phillips and reached 3x the low estimate already back in 2016. (Picture Credit: Phillipswatches). *Credit: Pucci Papaleo
Gold 6263 Oyster split floating Daytona: One of the rarest gold Daytona 6263 made, as only 2 known examples are publicly known. Often termed micro oyster or oyster split, the watch stands out for its unusual spacing on the dial with the SCOC seemingly floating by itself. Collectors speculate that the split writing dials, such as the one below, is a first series dial that Rolex experimented with. Oyster split also exists with the later reference 6265 (more info further down in report) but these seem to be more common (although exact number is unknown).
Gold 6263 black dial 3 line: I could have well put this watch on par with the watch above for its beauty and also rarity. All 6263 should have the chronometer rating, but the earliest ones were not certified yet and thus left the factory without the SCOC designation -even if the movement was a chronometer cal 727. Instead there are simply three lines on the dial. Again the black dial with champagne sub – dials are less common then their champagne dial, black sub – dial counterparts (even if I might even prefer the champagne dial version). For more info on this watch below see my PAK post here. Interestingly enough, Rolex had the 3 Line in the catalogue in 1971/72 – as one of the first screw down gold Daytona (Credit:Hydrelyox).
(Credit: Christies watches).
Gold 6265 Oyster Split: As I mentioned earlier there is another oyster split in the Daytona world. The last manual wound Daytona would have the honours this time to carry another split signature (see it in the Rolex catalogue here). The difference of course being an all gold case with black dial (a combination I like very much too). Not as rare as the 6263, the oyster split 6265 still deserves a ranking in the all time beautiful Gold Daytona list.
Gold 6263 with champagne dial & black sub-dials: I definitely have a weakness for this Daytona model. I think it’s one of the most elegant Daytona ever made. There are many versions of this variant. Made in both 14 and 18k and sigma and non sigma dial – I like the simple version the best. Sure, it is not the rarest of Daytona (even if any gold Daytona is by definition pretty damn rare) but I love it nonetheless. It is only a matter of time before I get one of these. Just beneath this model – I would include the black dial model with four line script – extremely attractive, masculine and sporty. I sometimes fight over which model I like more, this black model or the champagne model below – it is a very close call. Champagne dial for elegance and black dial for sportiness.
Gold 6263 black dial 4L: A classic among gold Daytona models, this Daytona has elegance and sportiness all combined in one. This model, while relatively rare, can be found often – similar to the watch above. If the champagne dial above stands for elegance then this watch below is the more sporty brother with the black dial & bezel and gold case. It is one of the coolest Daytona out there and like the champagne dial above – a no brainer in my opinion. Many collectors would put this watch above the champagne dial above – due to its sportiness and attractive dial.
Gold 6265 with black dial and champagne sub-dial layout: This is also one gold Daytona that is growing on me. The black dial with gold bezel is very appealing. It is also the last of the manual wound and 4 digit Daytona. It is not the rarest Daytona by any means, it might be even among the most common, but I do fine the screw down pushers more masculine and attractive than most pump pusher Daytona (including Paul Newman or exotic dial models). Again this model also exists with champagne dial and black sub-dial, which I find less attractive than this version. I think with the gold case a black dial works better. (Credit JS).
Gold 6241 Exotic dial PN champagne dial: This might be my most controversial call. I think the champagne dial 6241 is a beautiful watch and it is a classic among Daytona models. I can understand why some people think I must be on drugs putting this watch down here. On pure aesthetics, I prefer this watch to the gold 6239 PN listed in this report – but then again the rarity of the gold 6239 puts in another league. Like or not, this PN in gold is among the most common I have seen, despite its beautiful black bezel and champagne dial combination. It still deserves a place in the best gold Daytona list!
Gold 6241 3 lines black dial: Much like its more robust cousin (6263 3lines above), this watch is extremely collectible and rare among gold Daytona. The 3 line with oversize Daytona writing is rare and belongs to an early dial variation. The watch is attractive dial layout and black dial again contrasts extremely well with the gold case and black bezel. Among pump pusher gold Daytona it is among my favourite watches and certainly gets a spot in my favourite gold Daytona list. In fact I probably would put this watch above the Paul Newman dial above in terms of exclusivity – but the market gives more importance to a PN model in gold, at least in terms of price.
Gold Daytona 6239 non-exotic dial: Type in gold 6239 into google and you will find far more pictures of gold Paul Newman models (which is already an elusive watch) than non-exotic dials. A 6239 gold Daytona with or so called ‘Nero dial’ is just extremely hard to find. What I like about it, is that it is the first Daytona model, so important in history (even if the dial variation and gold case is much later than the steel counterpart) – but I also appreciate the dial fonts in terms of writing. And the rarity of this watch speaks for itself. It deserves a list on the Gold Daytona list even if I prefer other gold models. (Picture credit: Elvio of Tempus).
Concluding comments on Gold Daytona
The Gold Daytona watch remains a relative elusive watch, especially compared with the steel Daytona.
I love all gold Daytona but have a real weakness for the non exotic dials, oddly enough.
This is because most of the gold Daytona I love have screw down pushers and that by definition rules out Paul Newman gold models. I also love the fact that this Rolex is so untypical in a sense – it is a tool watch which makes more sense to be cased in steel rather than gold.
Last, we must remember that gold Rolex watches for a long time were frowned upon. Many collectors I talk to, still feel uncomfortable wearing gold watches, especially gold Rolex watches. Only just recently have collectors embraced gold and I feel we are still in the very early stages of really appreciating and in a sense ‘democratising‘ gold Rolex watches.
I hope this post gave you a brief overview of the Gold Daytona out there in terms of dial variations. There is an abundance of information on steel Daytona – but only little has been written about gold Daytona. This post is a first attempt to change that.
* (Credit: Rare & fine). **(Credit: watches 2.8 -teddy) *** (Credit: Mr. A).
(Special thanks goes out to Wulf of Rare & Fine who helped with some data and his insights).
For a good overview of Gold Daytona Paul Newman models see blackbird post here.
Let us take a look at a few more fabulous Daytona watches in pictures.
We start with a few close ups of rare Gold Daytona. A superb picture of the 6265 Oyster split (thank you Teddy 2.8).
Another great picture of this 6265 Oyster split (again thank you Teddy 2.8)
Because Teddys pictures are so great one last pic of this dream watch.
Here another pair of the Oyster split, small Rolex and oyster writing both 6265. (Picture credit: Rare & Fine).
Staying with Oyster split but this time 6263 reference. Only two are known with the black dial in 6263.
Another great pair of rare gold Daytona. On the left an oyster split 6263 (the other 1 of 2 known) and on the right a 3 Line 6263 that was the subject of my PAK watch. (picture Credit: Rare & Fine).
A 6265 Oyster split together with the legend 6263 Panda dial that has the record for a Daytona, excluding the personal watch of PN of course. (picture Credit: Teddy 2.8).
We take a look at the king of all Daytona watches – the legend. A splendid watch.
A 6265 champagne dial (picture courtesy of Thomas crown affair).
Another 6265 with champagne dial. Attractive but I might prefer the black dial on 6265 references.
Here the black dial 6265 Daytona. (Credit: JS).
My favourite champagne dial Daytona is the 6263 reference (picture credit again Thomas crown affair).
Another champagne dial 6263 that was sold in NY by Phillips in November 2017.
One last picture because I love this watch so much. This is the most elegant gold Daytona out there in my opinion.
Ever wondered what a chronometer movement looks like of the 6263 Champagne dial? And for the matter most 6263 in general?
Valjoux based cal 727 below. Notice the case of 14k – an extremely rare variant of the 6263 -as most were 18k.
A trio of Gold Daytona from left to right: 6265 champagne dial, black dial 6265 and champagne dial 6263.
The reason I like Gold daytona (aside from their rarity) are the gold screw down pushers.
Here another picture of the 4L black dial in combination with a car brand that certainly fits the Daytona (Credit: Unikaat).
We move on to more flamboyant Daytona.
These pair of 6270 with Pave dial are impossibly rare. These watches sell for CHF 1m mark today – perhaps even more. In 1985 when new they cost already DM 70’000 and are made in no more than 20 pieces, mostly for the Oman market – confirmed by this Rolex letter in German.*
(Credit: Rare & Fine). * Credit: Rare & Fine.
Another picture of this dream and unique 6270 Rolex with only baguette diamond bezel and no pave dial.
There exits also the sister reference 6269 with by definition is brilliant cut diamonds instead of baguette and more common but still relatively elusive (Picture credit: Mr A).
This one sold for CHF 600k at Phillips in May 2018.
Or this Gold 6263 with 14k case and sigma dial. I have not included this but it also belongs to the pinnacle of Gold Daytona collecting in my view (Credit: Dissette).
Moving for the moment back to the pump pushers Gold Daytona, which includes the Paul Newman models.
We start off with a close-up of the rare 3L oversize Daytona writing. Among the first Gold Daytona dials were the ones with 3L print.
Allow me to include another picture of this superb watch.
For me the case is clear: Gold Daytona belong on a gold bracelet please.
There are many gold Daytona models that I have not ranked.
Like this very rare but nice white registers print 6241. In the Pucci Pappaleo book this gold watch is referred to as the Coppertone with chocolate registers print p221).
(Credit: Unknown).
And how can we not include the exotic dial Paul Newman model. Here the sought after lemon dial with white registers sub – dial.
(Credit: from memory I credit this to NB).
Staying with white print dials how about this 6263 with champagne dial and white print.
Yes, I never saw this before either, but it exists, and is according to my sources legit.
Staying with 6263 what came just after the 3line, must be this 6265 oyster split champagne dial. Extremely rare – I have never seen this before.
(Credit: Rare & Fine).
Last we show the last manual screw down – how about this 6265 early 3L?!
(Credit: Dax2499).
Here three documents to support the watches above.
First an early 1971/1972 brochure showing a 3 Line 6263 Daytona in a official Rolex brochure. They were chronometer watches even though they were not officially tested which is why the SCOC is missing.
(Credit: Hydrelyox).
Below a brochure showing a 6265 oyster split in an official German Rolex catalogue.
Lastly a letter in German confirming from Rolex in 1994, that the reference 6269 with pave dial and 9 saphires was costing DM 70’000 already back in 1985.
Rolex also confirms that only 20 pieces of 6269 were made in total. Twelve of which are known to the market.
