See Paul Newman’s Rolex Watches That Fetched Over $23 Million at Auction

The actor’s Rolex Daytona sold for $17.8 million and remains the high-water mark for his watches

By Jacob Gallagher
March 28, 2023
Tap story

Two of late actor and race-car driver Paul Newman’s watches are likely to fetch more than a million dollars each when they come up for auction at Sotheby’s this June, watch experts predict.

One of the watches is a 1993 Rolex reference 16520 “Zenith” Daytona. Photo: Sotheby’s

One of the most coveted provenances in horology is having been strapped to Mr. Newman’s wrist. “We can tie vintage watch collecting, vintage Rolex collecting to him,” said Andrew Shear, a watch dealer in New York City.

Mr. Newman and his youngest daughter, Clea, circa 1984. Photo: Clea Newman Soderlund

The first watch Sotheby’s will have on offer is a 1993 Rolex reference 16520 “Zenith” Daytona with a pearly white dial.

Sotheby’s

It was awarded to Mr. Newman in 1995 when his racing team won the 24 Hours of Daytona Race in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Sotheby’s

The second Rolex is a later model—a 2006 white gold Reference 116519 Daytona, sitting on a black leather strap.

Sotheby’s

The watch, at auction for the first time, is one of three known models given to the actor by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward.

Mr. Newman and Ms. Woodward in 1958. Photo: Dave Cicero/INP/AFP/Getty

The watch bears the inscription “Drive Very Slowly Joanne” on the caseback.

Sotheby’s

A variation of that gentle chide is inscribed on all the Rolexes the actress gave to Mr. Newman—a reminder to the auto enthusiast to always keep his eyes on the track.

Mr. Newman before competing in an endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1979. Photo: Jean-Pierre Prevel, Gabriel Duval/AFP/Getty

Two other watches once owned by the Newman’s Own founder have previously fetched millions of dollars at auction.

Mr. Newman’s Big Red Daytona. Photo: Phillips auction house

In 2020 Phillips auction house sold a Rolex reference 6263 watch—nicknamed Big Red—given to Mr. Newman by his wife, carrying the inscription “Drive slowly, Joanne” on the caseback, for nearly $5.5 million.

Phillips auction house

The sale of Mr. Newman’s Rolex Daytona reference 6239 for $17.8 million three years prior remains the high-water mark for his horological assets.

Henry Leutwyler for WSJ. Magazine

The actor received the watch from his wife around the late ’60s, coinciding with the start of his time-consuming side-gig behind the steering wheel.

Mr. Newman is pictured wearing the watch in 1980. Photo: Douglas Kirkland/Corbis/Getty

As the Wall Street Journal previously reported, Ms. Woodward likely purchased it for around $300 at Tiffany’s. On its caseback is—you guessed it—the inscription “Drive Carefully, Me.”

Henry Leutwyler for WSJ. Magazine

Produced by: Brian Patrick Byrne

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