A pair of exceptional Rolex Daytona watches—one from 1971 and the other from 2024—have both sold well above their low estimates at a prestigious Geneva auction, underscoring the enduring appeal and collectibility of this iconic timepiece.
The vintage model, a circa 1971 Paul Newman John Player Special (JPS) edition in yellow gold, fetched an impressive CHF 1,008,000 (approximately £925,000). Its design, featuring the unmistakable JPS Racing team livery, reflects its roots in high-performance motorsport. Christie’s described this watch as “an outstandingly rare, important and highly attractive” piece, believed to be the first 14k gold version of reference 6264 ever offered at auction. The result comfortably exceeded the pre-sale low estimate of around £715,000.
In stark contrast, the second Daytona, crafted in 2024, also commanded significant attention, selling for CHF 214,200 (just under £192,000). This modern piece is a special yellow gold Le Mans edition created to commemorate the centenary of the famed endurance race. Marked by its exclusive “off-catalogue” status, the model was only available by invitation to a select clientele personally chosen by Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour. Known as a VIP-exclusive release, it was notably spotted on tennis legend Roger Federer’s wrist during the 2024 US Open. Christie’s highlighted its pristine condition, describing it as “box fresh” and “stickered.”
The Rolex Daytona line, famed for its strong association with motorsport and the legendary actor and racer Paul Newman, remains one of the most sought-after names in horology. Newman’s own Daytona sold for a record-breaking $17.8 million in 2017, setting a high bar for collectible wristwatches. The 2024 Le Mans Daytona, with a price tag near $255,000, likely set a new record for this particular edition, surpassing the $228,600 paid for a white gold Daytona at a New York auction last year.
The Geneva auction, titled Rare Watches, Featuring Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches, closed on May 12 and featured several notable lots. The highest sale went to a Richard Mille Rafael Nadal tourbillon skeleton watch from a 2019 limited run of just five pieces, which achieved £1.12 million, illustrating the intense demand at the top tier of the luxury watch market.
Christie’s Geneva sale demonstrated once again the robust market for vintage and modern luxury watches, with collectors eager to secure rare and historically significant models.
