Few watches have reached legendary status like the Rolex Daytona. First introduced in 1963, the Daytona was designed as a high-performance chronograph for professional racing drivers. Named after the famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida, it quickly earned a reputation for its precision, durability, and unmistakable design.
But not all Daytonas are created equal.
Over the decades, Rolex has released countless variations of the Daytona, some in limited numbers, others customized for select individuals. Due to rarity, provenance, or unique features, certain Daytonas have fetched jaw-dropping prices at auction—often exceeding millions of dollars.
This article explores the 20 rarest Rolex Daytonas ever sold, showcasing what makes each one special and how they captured the attention of collectors around the world. These watches are more than timekeepers—they’re icons of design, symbols of luxury, and pieces of horological history.
1. Paul Newman Daytona – Reference 6239
Arguably the most famous Daytona in the world, this reference belonged to actor Paul Newman himself. Sold in 2017 for $17.8 million, it broke records and became the most expensive Rolex ever sold.
The watch features the iconic “exotic” dial with Art Deco-style numerals, which collectors now associate with the “Paul Newman” nickname. What made this particular piece priceless, though, was the personal inscription on the back: “Drive Carefully Me”, a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward.
2. The Unicorn – Reference 6265 in White Gold
This is the only known vintage Daytona in white gold, making it an anomaly in Rolex history. Produced in 1970, the “Unicorn” is a reference 6265 with a manual winding movement, screw-down pushers, and a white gold case—completely out of character for Rolex’s usual steel Daytonas.
It was sold in 2018 for $5.9 million, with proceeds going to charity. The watch’s one-of-a-kind metal composition is what secured its place in horological mythology.
3. John Player Special – Reference 6241 in 18k Gold
Nicknamed after the black and gold livery of the Lotus Formula 1 cars sponsored by John Player Special, this Daytona features a black “Paul Newman” dial in an 18k yellow gold case. It’s as bold as it is rare.
Fewer than 300 of these were made, and even fewer have survived in pristine condition. One sold at auction for over $1.5 million, making it a grail for many collectors.
4. Oyster Paul Newman – Reference 6263
This model combines the highly coveted Paul Newman dial with Oyster case attributes, including screw-down pushers and higher water resistance. It was once considered impossible to find, as the “Oyster Paul Newman” configuration wasn’t officially documented by Rolex.
In 2021, one example sold for $3.7 million, setting a new high for this sub-variant.
5. Gold Daytona with “Lemon” Dial – Reference 6264
This reference features a rare “lemon” colored Paul Newman dial, which gives the sub-dials a warm yellow tone. The contrast between the 18k yellow gold case and this creamy dial is visually striking.
With only a handful in existence, one such model sold at auction for $1.5 million, largely due to its dial’s unique coloration and flawless preservation.
6. RCO Daytona – Reference 6263
RCO stands for “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster,” a rare dial configuration that places the word “Oyster” under “Rolex Cosmograph.” These were transitional dials, used briefly when Rolex was shifting branding conventions.
Only a few dozen are known to exist. One example, in great condition, fetched over $1 million at auction.
7. The Linz Paul Newman – Reference 6239
Sold by Linz Jewelers in Dallas in the 1960s, this Daytona features an early Paul Newman dial with a unique configuration and luminous hour markers. With excellent provenance and originality, it’s an early production piece that gives insight into Rolex’s dial experimentation.
It sold for around $950,000, and its distinctive features continue to generate scholarly interest among vintage Rolex experts.
8. Floating Daytona – Reference 16520
A modern rarity, the “Floating Daytona” refers to early Zenith-era Daytonas (1988–2000) where the word “Daytona” appears unusually spaced below the rest of the text on the dial. This detail, combined with the use of the Zenith El Primero movement, makes it a modern collectible.
One mint condition example recently sold for over $200,000, a high figure for a stainless steel automatic model.
9. Platinum Daytona with Ice Blue Dial – Reference 116506
Released in 2013 to commemorate the Daytona’s 50th anniversary, this reference features a platinum case and ice-blue dial with chestnut brown ceramic bezel—a color combination reserved only for Rolex’s platinum watches.
While not vintage, its limited production and premium materials have made it a modern icon. One factory-sealed example sold for $300,000+, more than double its original retail.
10. The Sultan of Oman Daytona – Reference 6265
Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, this 18k gold Daytona bears the royal red “Khanjar” dagger insignia on its dial, a hallmark of special-order Rolex watches from the Middle East.
Only a few pieces are known. One surfaced at auction and achieved $1.6 million, driven by its royal provenance and cultural significance.
11. UAE Ministry of Defense Daytona – Reference 6263
Similar to the Oman version, this Daytona features the emblem of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense. These watches were gifts for military officers and dignitaries.
Their rarity and exotic dials make them highly sought-after. One sold in recent years for over $800,000.
12. Daytona with “Tiffany & Co.” Dial – Reference 6263
Rolex once collaborated with major retailers like Tiffany & Co. to co-sign dials. Very few Daytonas feature both brand names.
This cross-branding makes it extremely collectible, and one recently achieved nearly $1 million at auction. It represents an era when Rolex allowed external branding—something it no longer does today.
13. Albino Daytona – Reference 6263
Only four known examples of the Albino Daytona exist, characterized by silver sub-dials that blend into the silver main dial. One belonged to Eric Clapton, which added even more prestige.
His piece sold for $1.4 million, and it remains a trophy among vintage collectors.
14. The Cosmograph 6262 with Pulsations Dial
The reference 6262 was a short-lived model, produced only in 1970–71. One particularly rare variant has a pulsometer scale (used to measure pulse rate) instead of a tachymeter, something almost never seen on Daytonas.
One example surfaced in auction and sold for over $500,000 due to its extraordinary rarity.
15. Sigma Dial Daytona – Reference 6263
A subtle collector’s detail, the “σ T SWISS T σ” marking signifies the use of white gold hour markers. The so-called Sigma dials are relatively rare and add a layer of sophistication to the classic Daytona aesthetic.
While not as pricey as others on this list, some have sold for $200,000–$300,000, depending on condition and configuration.
16. Green Dial Daytona – Reference 116508
A modern celebrity favorite, the yellow gold Daytona with a bright green sunburst dial gained fame after being worn by actor John Mayer. His endorsement led to skyrocketing demand.
Originally priced around $35,000, market value surged. Today, mint models have sold for over $150,000.
17. Daytona “Rainbow” – Reference 116595RBOW
Set with multicolored sapphires on the bezel and lugs, the “Rainbow” Daytona is as flashy as it is exclusive. Made in extremely limited numbers and favored by celebrities, its craftsmanship borders on haute joaillerie.
Retail was around $96,000, but rare variants have sold for upwards of $400,000.
18. Black Dial Zenith Daytona – Reference 16520 “APH Dial”
The so-called “APH dial” has a printing error where there’s a visible space in the word “COSMOGR APH.” Found in late-production Zenith Daytonas, it’s a quirk that has become desirable.
One example in unworn condition sold for $70,000, well above average for this model.
19. The Daytona “Big Red” – Reference 6265
Named for the large red “Daytona” script above the sub-dial at 6 o’clock, the “Big Red” is a favorite among vintage enthusiasts. It strikes a perfect balance between rarity and wearability.
Prices vary widely, but some mint condition pieces have sold for over $300,000, especially when accompanied by original paperwork.
20. Daytona with Khanjar Caseback – Reference 16520
Another Omani special-order watch, this one features the royal Khanjar engraved on the caseback, rather than the dial. It’s a more subtle variant but still incredibly rare.
Its value lies in the connection to Rolex’s private commissions for world leaders. One example has sold for over $250,000.
Conclusion
The Rolex Daytona has evolved from a tool watch for race car drivers to one of the most collectible and valuable timepieces on the planet. Whether it’s an exotic dial, precious metal case, royal engraving, or celebrity connection, each Daytona on this list tells a unique story.
Collectors prize these rare models not just for their beauty, but for what they represent: a combination of craftsmanship, history, and rarity that transcends time.
As the market continues to grow, new discoveries are always possible. But for now, these are the 20 rarest Rolex Daytonas ever sold—monuments in the world of horology.
