A very rare and incredibly beautiful iteration of the iconic Rolex Daytona, known as the John Player Special, has recently made headlines by setting a new record at a Sotheby’s auction, selling for a little over $1.5 million. This particular model, an 18-karat yellow gold 6264, represents the rarest gold configuration of the legendary Paul Newman Daytona. Given that only a handful of these watches are known to exist, their appeal among vintage watch collectors is immense and easy to understand.
The allure of the Rolex John Player Special model Rolex Daytona extends beyond its scarcity. The watch is celebrated for its outstanding beauty, characterized by a striking black-and-gold combination that exudes warmth and depth. This aesthetic, combined with its association with the golden era of Formula 1, makes it a highly coveted piece among watch connoisseurs who often share a passion for classic cars. The Rolex Daytona, especially in such a rare configuration, embodies a perfect blend of horological craftsmanship and automotive heritage, making it a dream piece for many collectors.
The recent auction result highlights the enduring legacy and desirability of the Rolex Daytona, particularly in its most unique and rare forms. As the John Player Special sets a new benchmark, it underscores the vibrant market for luxury watches and the special place that Rolex holds within it. Collectors and enthusiasts around the world continue to celebrate the brand’s historical connections to sports, cinema, and beyond, making each discovery and auction a significant event in the world of horology.
Sotheby’s Geneva Sets New World Record with Sale of Rare Rolex Daytona “John Player Special”
In a landmark moment, Sotheby’s Geneva achieved a record-breaking sale yesterday, auctioning a yellow-gold Rolex Daytona “John Player Special” (ref. 6241) for an astounding CHF 2,238,000 ($2,491,655). This remarkable timepiece, celebrated as the finest example of its kind seen in over a decade, has also earned the distinction of being the third most valuable Paul Newman Daytona in gold, the fourth most valuable in any metal, and the fifth most valuable manual-winding Daytona ever sold at auction.
The Rolex Daytona Legacy
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Rolex Daytona has grown into a collector’s treasure. Initially met with confusion, the variety of its dials — especially the exotic “Paul Newman” versions named after the Hollywood legend — has since captivated enthusiasts. Among these, the “John Player Special” (JPS) stands out as an unparalleled rarity. Its black-and-gold color scheme, inspired by the iconic John Player Special cigarette branding and Team Lotus Formula 1 livery of the 1970s and 1980s, has made it a grail for vintage watch collectors.
A Unique and Coveted Design
The JPS nickname stems from the watch’s striking black dial, gold subsidiary dials, and gold outer rim—design elements that mirror the legendary Formula 1 car. Of the estimated 3,000 ref. 6241 Daytonas produced, only about 300 were encased in yellow gold, and an even smaller subset featured the coveted JPS dial. These factors combine to make the JPS one of the most desirable references in Rolex’s storied history.
Fierce Bidding for a Rare Gem
The auction for this 1969 Daytona saw intense competition, with seven bidders—two online, two on the phone, and three in the room — battling over eight minutes. The watch ultimately sold for nearly double its initial estimate of CHF 600,000–1,200,000.
Mikael Wallhagen, Sotheby’s Geneva Head of Watches, remarked on the exceptional quality of the piece:
“This is the best example of this reference I have ever seen, and its condition is staggeringly good for a watch nearly 55 years old. All its parts are intact, and it has never been serviced. This Daytona unicorn is the perfect way to crown our Important Watches sale, celebrating 60 years of the Daytona’s legacy.”
A Timepiece Untouched by Time
The absence of an inscription on the caseback suggests the watch has never undergone maintenance from Rolex John Player. Remarkably, it had been unused for nearly 50 years, kept in pristine condition by the family of the original owner before being offered for sale for the first time.
A Celebration of Luxury
This record-breaking sale was part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week, an event showcasing some of the most extraordinary timepieces in the world. The Important Timepieces Sale included a digital component on Sotheby’s website, concluding the same day.
With its storied history, rarity, and flawless condition, the “John Player Special” Daytona has once again cemented its place in horological history, setting new benchmarks for Rolex collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
