Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona could fetch US$1 million at auction: two watches the late icon wore during his racing career will go under the hammer in June with over 300 of his personal belongings

Apr 6 , 2023

Sotheby’s just revealed the two classic luxury timepieces as part of an auction of the late movie star, car racer and director’s personal effects; the Daytona celebrates its 60th anniversary this year

The Rolex Daytona ‘Zenith’ was presented to Newman when he won Florida’s 24 hours of Daytona Race in 1995 at age 70, while the other is an inscribed white gold gift from his wife

Two Rolexes that carried “sentimental” value for actor Paul Newman will be auctioned as part of a broad collection of the late icon’s personal effects, with the timepieces each expected to earn up to US$1 million.

Paul Newman in a still from Cool Hand Luke (1968). Photo: Park Circus/Warner Bros.

Sotheby’s said last month that more than 300 items owned by the movie star and car racer Newman and his wife of 50 years Joanne Woodward would go under the hammer on June 9.

On Tuesday, the auction house unveiled the two Rolex Daytonas, classic and coveted watches that celebrate the model’s 60th anniversary this year, and which Sotheby’s said Newman wore during his celebrated racing career.

A Rolex “Zenith” Daytona (left) and a Rolex Daytona in New York City. Photo: Sotheby’s

The “Zenith” Daytona Rolex was presented to Newman in 1995 to mark his victory in Florida’s 24 hours of Daytona Race in the GTS-2 category. He was 70 years old at the time and became the endurance contest’s oldest winner.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116519 in white gold – the final Daytona gifted to Paul Newman by his wife Joanne Woodward in 2006. Photo: Sotheby’s

The other, in white gold, was a gift from Woodward, which bears the inscription: “Drive very slowly,” followed by “Joanne”, all in capitals.

Sotheby’s said the watches are “imbued with sentimental and historical value imparting from pinnacle moments in Newman’s celebrated racing career”.

US actor and driver Paul Newman during 24 Hours of Le Mans car race in Le Mans, in 1979. Photo: AFP

Each watch is valued at US$500,000 to US$1 million, but the final price will be determined by the highest bidder in June.

Another Rolex that belonged to Newman, who died in 2008, was sold by New York auction house Phillips for a staggering US$17.8 million in 2017, a world record for a wrist watch.