Among the pantheon of collectible Rolex watches, none have achieved greater fame—or a higher auction price—than the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” (Ref. 6239). When it crossed the auction block at Phillips New York in 2017, this stainless steel Daytona shattered all expectations, fetching an astonishing $17.8 million.
This particular Daytona was owned and worn by none other than Hollywood legend Paul Newman. A devoted racing enthusiast, Newman received this watch as a gift from his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. On the caseback, she had engraved a personal message: “Drive Carefully Me”—a heartfelt reminder of the dangers of motorsport.
What truly sets this cheap replica watch apart, however, is its striking dial. Characterized by its creamy off-white background with bold black sub-dials and unique Art Deco-style numerals, this configuration became known as the “Paul Newman dial.” Initially, these dials were an unpopular variant, leading to lower production numbers. However, over time, their rarity and distinctive aesthetics catapulted them to legendary status.
When Paul Newman’s own Daytona surfaced at auction, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world clamored for the opportunity to own a piece of history. In a breathtaking 12-minute bidding war, the watch soared to its record-breaking price, with an anonymous phone bidder ultimately claiming this horological masterpiece.
While the Paul Newman Daytona holds the crown, several other Rolex watches have commanded jaw-dropping prices at auction. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant sales in Rolex history.
- The Rolex “Bao Dai” (Ref. 6062) – A Royal Treasure
Another Rolex that has captivated collectors worldwide is the Rolex “Bao Dai” (Ref. 6062). This extraordinary timepiece belonged to Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. It is one of the rarest replica rolex watches ever made, featuring a full calendar, moonphase complication, and an exquisite diamond-set dial.
In 2017, this regal Rolex went under the hammer at Phillips Geneva and achieved an astonishing price of $5.1 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold at the time (before being surpassed by the Paul Newman Daytona later that year). The watch’s royal lineage, extreme rarity, and impeccable condition contributed to its incredible value.
- The Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” (Ref. 6265) – The One-of-a-Kind White Gold Daytona
Rolex Daytonas are typically crafted in stainless steel or yellow gold, making a white gold version virtually unheard of. However, the Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” (Ref. 6265), produced in 1970, is an exceptional outlier.
Commissioned as a special order, this unique white gold Daytona was sold at a Phillips auction in 2018 for $5.9 million. The rarity of a white gold vintage Daytona, combined with its pristine condition, ensured that this “Unicorn” would gallop into the annals of Rolex history.
- The Rolex “Deep Sea Special” – A Watch That Conquered the Ocean Depths
One of the most historically significant Rolex watches ever auctioned is the Rolex “Deep Sea Special”, a prototype created for the 1960 deep-sea expedition of Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh. This watch was strapped to the exterior of the Bathyscaphe Trieste when it descended to the deepest known point in the ocean—the Mariana Trench, 10,916 meters below the surface.
In 2021, one of these ultra-rare prototypes was auctioned at Christie’s for $2.1 million. This price reflects not only the watch’s extreme rarity but also its place in Rolex’s legacy of pioneering deep-sea exploration.
- The fake Rolex GMT-Master “Marlon Brando” (Ref. 1675) – A Hollywood Icon
Worn by Marlon Brando in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, the Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) became an instant icon. Notably, Brando removed the watch’s bezel for a stripped-down, rugged look, making it instantly recognizable.
Adding to its allure, Brando engraved his own name on the caseback—a rare personal touch from a legendary actor. When it finally appeared at auction in 2019, the watch fetched $1.95 million, cementing its status as one of the most famous Rolex watches ever worn on-screen.
Several factors contribute to the astronomical auction prices of Rolex watches:
- Provenance – If a watch was owned by a famous individual or a member of royalty, its value skyrockets. Watches like the Paul Newman Daytona and Bao Dai Rolex exemplify this.
- Rarity – Limited production models, unique dials, or special-order Rolex watches are highly sought after. The Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” and Deep Sea Special owe much of their value to their extreme rarity.
- Condition – A well-preserved, original Rolex (without excessive restoration or replacement parts) is far more valuable to collectors.
- Historical Significance – If a watch played a role in history—whether in motorsports, exploration, or cinema—it becomes even more desirable.
Rolex’s dominance in the world of horology is undisputed. With each passing year, rare and historically significant fake rolex watches continue to set records, reaffirming the brand’s status as the ultimate symbol of luxury, precision, and prestige.