6264, 'Paul Newman' Daytona, Steel

Ref. 6264, a transitional Daytona, introduced Rolex’s new higher beat chronograph calibre 727. Made for roughly one year only, it remains amongst the lowest overall production manual Daytona references. Beginning 1970, it was out of production by late 1971. The 6264 and its steel bezel sibling ref. 6262 are the final manual Daytonas made with pump pushers prior to the screw down pushers. All are desirable, but none moreso than the incredible panda Paul Newman, incredibly well-preserved here. It is widely estimated that only roughly 1700 steel examples of the 6264 were made. Total estimates for 6264 Paul Newmans are usually inside 100-170 examples, certainly less than 10% of overall production, which makes the present panda one of the lesser seen Paul Newmans or indeed Daytonas today. 

The present Singer-manufactured Paul Newman dial is a two-color panda configuration, instantly recognizable with its art deco numerals, square box indices in its subdials, contrasting chronograph track, and cream-white grené dial main. The original and beautiful Mark 1 bezel is equally distinct and rare all on its own. Paul Newman 6264 combines the aesthetic appeal of the exotic dial with one of the most robust manual chronograph movements of its era: the uprated Valjoux 727. The movement’s precision, its subtle case proportions, and significance of this dial make it an unusually perfect racing chronograph. 

The Paul Newman Daytona has today become one of the pinnacles of Rolex collecting. Examples are separated by metal, dial type, and reference, of course, but perhaps nothing moreso than condition. This 6264 is wonderful in all aspects, found at an estate sale over 15 years ago and worn on special occasions since. Not only is the dial and tritium fantastically preserved, but its case is simply astounding. The highly attractive originality and shape of this Paul Newman separates it far more than any individual variant could.

Today, the 6264 Paul Newman commands attention at auction and in private collections alike. Beyond mere speculative investment value, it represents a key chapter in Rolex’s chronograph history, embodying the shift toward modern chronograph design while retaining a distinctly manual-winding character. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Daytona 6264 Paul Newman is more than a watch—it’s a vessel of the most romantic, timeless, and purposeful era of Rolex’s long heritage of motorsport. 

This 6264 presents in exceptional overall condition. The dial is astounding with light cream tone to the white cream-white grené dial. Its subdials lack any signs of damage or lifted hands. Its tritium plots are deep honey in tone, matched perfect in the handset which bear little marks. The case is equally lovely, with minimal signs of light wear and fantastically sharp, full proportions Its calibre 727 is running well in specification. It comes on its original 7835/271 bracelet.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.