In the realm of vintage watches, few have left a more indelible mark than the exotic-dial Daytona — universally known as the “Paul Newman.” One could even argue that Paul Newman didn’t just wear the Daytona; he defined it. Originally a commercial struggle for Rolex, the Daytona remained largely overlooked until the 1980s, when Italian collectors took notice of Paul Newman wearing a cream-dial reference 6239 on the cover of a magazine. That single image ignited a cult following that forever changed the trajectory of the model. Whether in black or cream, the Newman Daytona has long since transcended niche status to become one of the most revered wristwatches ever produced.

This particular reference 6239 black exotic-dial Paul Newman is a watch I’ve had the privilege of handling multiple times over the years. Exceptionally well preserved, it surfaced in 2017 directly from the daughter of the original owner and has since passed through just two U.S.-based collectors, remaining remarkably unchanged from the day it was discovered. Truly untouched 6239 Newmans are extraordinarily rare — arguably rarer than any other Newman reference. In period, many exotic dials were removed from 6239 cases and transplanted into 6241s, which commanded higher premiums. Compounding this rarity, few original 6239 cases escaped heavy service polishing. Together, these factors elevate an original, preserved 6239 Newman with documented provenance into an entirely different echelon of collectability.

Black exotic-dial configurations typically exhibit noticeable aging, yet this example defies expectation. The dial is remarkably clean, blemish-free, with crisp, vivid printing that stands among the finest seen. Early thin sub-register hands — correct for the period — further underscore its originality. The unpolished 1.87M-serial case exemplifies exactly what a reference 6239 should represent. Completing the package is its original Rolex U.S. Jubilee bracelet manufactured by JB Champion with correct 49 end links, lending an elegant counterbalance to the watch’s inherently sporty character—a trait commonly seen on U.S.-delivered Daytonas of the era.

Like choosing between left and right hands, debating black versus cream Newman dials is futile — most would agree it’s best to have both. Even historically, examples of this caliber were difficult to find; today, the likelihood of another surfacing in such preserved condition is entirely uncertain.

(Item: INVDBV_76)