Displaying yet another variant of a “Paul Newman” dial, while similar to the ‘exotic’ dials of reference 6239 and 6241, this Daytona reference 6262 displays slight changes. Most notably, the “T Swiss T” designation at 6 o’clock is flatter than its predecessors and no longer displays a pyramid shape; the subsidiary registers have aged slightly and exhibit a relatively ‘flat’ appearance, which is a particularly rare dial variant. This example is one of the timepieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

Reference 6239 was introduced in 1963, which was a breakthrough year for Rolex. Named the “Cosmograph”, the model featured for the very first time a tachymeter scale on the bezel. While originally announced as the “Le Mans” it was eventually called “Daytona”. This timepiece is among the earliest reference 6239s ever produced. Since the bezel of the new “Cosmograph” was larger and covered the original printing, Rolex redesigned the stamps and printed “Swiss” the second time. Once the dial was fitted, the inscription was immediately visible again. Scholars believe that the underline below the Rolex Cosmograph script was used to signify a transition from radium to tritium on the dial. This watch is one of the trophy pieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

The Rolex Daytona reference 6269 is surely among the most glamorous and luxurious Cosmograph models ever manufactured. This example features a dial paved with 240 diamonds further enhanced by a bezel preciously enriched with 44 brilliant diamonds. During the 1980s, Rolex enriched tool watches with precious gems for its most exclusive and demanding clientele, ranging from Sultans in the Middle East to businessmen. Whilst, the concept of sports watches featuring gemstones may seem obvious today, it was at the time a completely daring idea. This example is particularly interesting as the outside case back is punched with French import marks, which are the inspiration behind the name “Le Hibou Grand-Duc”. This exclusive and lavish chronograph is one of the pieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

Nicknamed “Moka Luke”, this wristwatch pays tribute to Paul Newman’s character in the movie Cool Hand Luke. Its dial configuration is identical to Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” watch, further enhanced by mocha ‘tropical’ subsidiary registers that have aged displaying a charming patina. A color mix between black and brown, these counters have the potential to become even more brown, intense and rich with time. Furthermore, this example is included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

This stainless steel Daytona reference 6263, aside from presenting a “New Old Stock” condition, represents the final version of manual winding Daytona. Made during the very last years of the model’s manufacture period, this example is fitted with a black dial featuring the cherry red ‘Daytona’ designation positioned around the subsidiary register at 6 o’clock. This graphic configuration is referred to by collectors as the “Big Red”. This rare chronograph is one of the dream timepieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

An exceedingly rare and beautiful yellow gold chronograph reference 6241 with black ‘Paul Newman’ dial displaying contrasting gold subsidiary registers. This wristwatch is one of a few handful of known “John Player Special” configurations to be cased in 18K yellow gold, sharing its name with the racing vehicle’s colors. Furthermore, it is one of the exceptional timepieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

A stainless steel Daytona reference 6263 with silvered dial made for the Peruvian Air Force. The case back is engraved "Fuerza Aérea del Perú", and displays the three digit code ‘553’ which is very lightly engraved on the bottom of the case back. Most importantly, the inside case back is stamped with a repeated case back number, another sign of a special order watch. Most “FAP” three digit codes have been rubbed out with general wear, yet this one retains its crisp engravings. There is a small hole on the outer case back, near the ‘teeth’. This hole was used to secure the case back while Rolex stamped the markings. This chronograph nicknamed “El Capitàn”, is one of the timepieces included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

A stainless steel Rolex Daytona Reference 6263 retailed at Joyeria Ricciardi, the renowned jeweler in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Like other distinguished jewelers, Joyeria Ricciardi personalized all its timepieces and did not emblazon their name on the dial, but stamped their own retailer numbers on the watches. One of the earliest reference 6263s ever produced, this example features an off-white Mk 1 “Paul Newman” dial beautifully aged to an ivory color shade, and is fitted with pushers referred to by collectors as “Millerighe”. Furthermore, it is one of the dream watches included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.

A distinctive feature of this stainless steel Daytona deserves a particular attention: its case back prominently displays the “WINNER 2009 24 Heures Du Mans’” engraving. As a matter of fact, it was presented to David Brabham upon his team’s victory at the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is furthermore accompanied by a Rolex guarantee, Brabham’s signed racing boots, a signed letter adressed to the ‘winner’ and a fitted Rolex tyre track dedicated box. Alongside drivers Alexander Wurz and Marc Gene, Brabham drove for the Peugeot Sport Total team, completing 382 laps. Every year, world-class teams of drivers descend on Le Mans, France, to participate in the 24-hour endurance car race. This magnificent reference 116520 nicknamed “The Winner” is one of the examples included in the thematic auction on May 12, hosted by Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo at La Réserve, Geneva.