2018.04.10

Daytona Ultimatum

The listing for ‘Daytona Ultimatum’, the Daytona-only themed auction, finally to be held in Geneva in May has also been made public as well. Out of the 32 models, models worth looking out for will be introduced in several lots.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.56.41Lot.8 6265 WhiteGold "The Unicorn" 3-5 M CHF

The only custom-made Ref.6265 white gold case in the world. Serial number 2.87 with a MK1 pusher is also key. This is an okay design which probably means it’s somewhat rare. Bids begin from something like 3 million.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.57.21Lot 32 6240 "NEANDERTHAL" 2.5 - 5 M CHF

A dial similar to the Paul Newman prototype called Neanderthal. Of course, although it seems it was model not being sold at the time, there’s no doubt the dial was made by Rolex, with it officially listed in the Pucci book. The case, exquisitely configured with the Ref.6240 1.43 dial, the story of it being made a little before the Ref.6239/41 PN is quite fascinating. The design could also be a PN SOLO.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.58.03Lot. 21 6263 "ALABIAN NIGHT" 1.5 - 3 M CHF

Unusually, the Ref.6263 dial has been decorated with quite a lot of Arabic script. The estimate is more expensive than the Oman Daytona. It has a Mk2 Pusher, since the serial is 3.66, but it cant be helped as this is the same as the Ref.6263 Khanjar and the Ref.6263 UAE Eagle. The dial is based on a Sigma and has no index dial or luminescence. The one listed in the Pucci book is up for sale.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.58.34Lot. 14 6263 Paul Newman OysterDown MK 1 1 - 2 M

The 2.08 serial number is unquestionably a MK1 OysterDown. It is also one of the pieces in the Pucci book. It’s generally considered the top PN model. OysterDown was also famous for being the first Rolex to break through 100 Million USD, but it’s true ability is called into question having taken a slight backseat in the face of Khanjar and JPS gaining prominence recently. Even among OysterDown, the MK1 is a difficult model to make considerably younger than the 2.08 serial unless in very rare cases it’s at the beginning of the Ref.6263 production process.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.59.05Lot. 27 6263 Khanjar 600 k - 1.2 M CHF

The Oman Daytona is one the fastest climbing Daytona in recent years. Among them, the Red Sword or ‘Red Khanjar daggers on a black dial’ is the spec with the highest price. Counterfeiting is difficult because its made by shifting the Rolex logo in order to print the Khanjar, making it very elaborate. Perhaps there’s also a chance of getting the OysterDown at a bargain price this time. It will be a Mk2 Pusher since the serial number to this is also 3.65.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 1.59.36Lot. 24 6241 Paul Newman JPS 18K 500 K - 1 M CHF

The 18K pure gold black Paul Newman with a 1.9 serial number, known as the JPS, will be one of the most expensive Daytona in recent history alongside the Khanjar. It’s one of models in particular published individually in the Pucci book this time, and there is no doubt it would be one of the top JPS in the world including in terms of condition. It is a highlight, and although the JPS is tentative for now, positioned below Ref.6264 Lemon and Ref. 6263 Khanjar, I wonder if it overthrows them in terms of estimate?

Screenshot 2018-04-10 2.00.17Lot. 17 6263 Paul Newman MK 1 Panda 400 - 800 K CHF

A pretty young serial Mk1 Panda with a 2.085.619 serial number makes an appearance this time. The condition of the dial is extremely wonderful also perfectly equipped with a Mk0 pusher, and will be big, probably going for 1 million. The Mk1 Panda is very hard to make as it requires a case with very narrow range of serials between 2.08-2.2 (many of chinch have been used for OysterDown) and the very best beautifully designed pieces are unmistakably the best class of Daytona ever. Although a personal opinion, I feel the value of Mk1 panda will get closer to OysterDown in the near future. I wonder how much can this piece fetch?

Screenshot 2018-04-10 2.00.47Lot 7 6239 Paul Newman Champagne 18 K 300 - 600 K CHF

Also making an appearance is the very rare Ref.6239 Champagne PN. But because the condition is slightly better than the Ref. 6241 out at the same time the estimate appears slightly higher. It’s very hard to find a Ref.6239 pure gold case, since Champagne PN dials are usually included in Ref.6239.

Screenshot 2018-04-10 2.01.16Lot. 12 6241 Paul Newman Champagne 18K 250-500 K CHF

Although estimated slightly lower than the Ref.6239 Champagne, the condition of the Ref.6241 Champagne PN dial is very good. There are three types of pure gold PN; Champagne, JPS, and Lemon. But the Lemon and JPS are by far the most expensive, and the Champagne feels a little left behind. But conversely, it’s one to keep an eye on in the future, because the Champagne PN could still be considered undervalued.

Keywords:
Rolex