The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Daytona Watches Sold at Auction

168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Daytona watches have long captured the fascination of collectors, kno🧸wn for their exceptional precision, exquisite craftsmanship, and iconic status in the world of luxury horology. The Daytona’s rich history began in 1963 when Rolex introduced the model as a professional chronograph designed specifically for race car drivers. Its ability to measure elapsed time and calculate aไverage speed made it an invaluable tool for motorsport enthusiasts. Over the decades, the Daytona has evolved into one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world, with vintage models particularly prized by collectors due to their rarity and connection to Rolex's storied past.

At Sotheby’s, some of the rarest and most extraordinary Rolex Daytona models have commanded astronomical prices, underscoring the enduring appeal and demand for these exceptional 🌄watches. Each sale is a testament to the Daytona’s enduring legacy, with certain pieces standing out not only for their technical achievements butꩲ also for their historical significance. In this review, we take a closer look at the top five Rolex Daytona watches ever sold at Sotheby’s.

Why is the Rolex Daytona so Popular?

The Rolex Daytona is one of the most sought-after luxury watches, celebrated for its rich racing heritage, timeless design, and exclusivity. Introduced in 1963 specifically for professional drivers, its connection to motorsports—particularly the iconic Daytona International Speedway—has solidified its legendary reputation. The watch’s fame skyrocketed with Paul Newman, whose personal Daytona sold for an astounding $17.8 million in 2017, setting a record for the 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:most expensive Rolex ever auctioned. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, the Daytona features Rolex's in-house Calib♕er 4130 movement, ensuring both precision and durability. Limited production, coupled with immense demand, has resulted in long waitlists and skyrocketing resale prices. Vintage and rare Daytona models continue to achieve record-breaking prices, further solidifying their status as coveted collector’s items.

1. Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Reference 16516, 25 million HKD

Offered by a private collector and new to the market at time of sale, the 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex 🍒♛Daytona Cosmograph reference 16516 stands as one of the most exclusive and visually striking examples of a Cosmograph Rolex Daytona driven by the Zenith movement caliber. Crafted🌼 by Rolex in 1999, it was the sole known platinum Rolex Daytona featuring a lapis lazuli hardstone dial. It shared the reference number 16516 and a serial number one of t🌠wo other platinum Rolex Daytonas, which Sotheby's sold in 2018 for $871,000.

Several aspects of this watch contribute to its rarity and allure. Most notably, the dial is made of lap🅰is lazuli hardstone, and the case is fashioned from platinum, the most noble of metals. The watch is marked on the case back and dated XII 1998. This history-making Rolex watch made history twice over due to its exclusivity and incredibly high selling price.

2. Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Reference 16516, 24 million HKD

Consigned by a private collector and making its market debut, the automatic Rolex♏ Daytona Cosmograph with a lacquered "Stella" dial was an astonishing find. This marks the t𝕴hird platinum reference 16516 to appear on the market, and it is believed there is only one other known platinum example with a coral hardstone dial. Each of these references features a distinct and unique dial, all powered by the Zenith movement caliber 4030.

Manufactured by 🐲Rolex in 1998, this is the only known platinum Rolex Daytona Cosmograph with a turquoise blue "Stella" lacquered dial. Its extraordinary attributes include the dial and the platinum case. The watch is inscribed on the case back and dated 1998. Third in the line of platinum Rolex Daytona watches sold by Sotheby's, - a great achievement considering only three models are known - the first known platinum Rolex Day꧋tona was sold in Hong Kong, and the aforementioned lapis lazuli hardstone example made history in 2020 due to its significant winning bid.

3. Rolex Daytona "John Player Special" Reference 6241, 2,238,000 CHF

For over sixty years, the Rolex Daytona has consistently captivated collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most appealing aspects of these watches is the variety of dial designs, including the highly sought-after Rolex Daytona Paul Newman exotic dials, named after the famous actor. Among these, the 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Daytona John Player Special stands out for its rarity and legendary status.

The Rolex Daytona John Player Special was named after the British tobacco-sponsored Team Lotus Formula One car from the 1970s. The Rolex Daytona captures the spirit of motorsports, designed for individuals who push the limits. The aforementioned Formula One car is still celebrated for its elegant black and gold design, mirrored in this watch's black dial and gilt subsidiary dials. The rarity of t💙his watch cannot be overstated, with only 300 of the 3,000 reference 6241 watches produced in 18k yellow gold. Furthermore, only a small fraction featured the coveted John Player Special dial, making this a truly rare and valuable piece with an appropriately large monetary value.

4. Rolex Daytona The 18K JPS Paul Newman Reference 6264, 1,215,000 GBP

The 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Daytona Reference 6264 is renowned as the pinnacle of 𒅌the pump pushers Rolex Daytona series. Produced in limited quantities from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, this model serves as a transitional link between the two main eras of the manual winding Rolex Daytona. Its case retains the original pump pushers design, and it is equipped with the calib🌠er 727, also used in later screw-down pusher models, references 6263 and 6265.

While most reference 6264 watches were made in stainless steel, a few were crafted in yellow gold. An 18k yellow gold 6264 is a true rarity, with onl🍬y ten known examples. The appearance of such a watch on the international market was a significant event for connoisseurs when it debuted. These pieces are often the crown jewels of the most dist꧂inguished private collections. Among these rare watches, some feature the celebrated Paul Newman Rolex Daytona dial. This particular example, with its black Paul Newman dial, was especially desirable, creating a striking contrast between the gold case and the dark dial.

5. Rolex Daytona Reference 6241 John Player Special, 1,215,000 GBP

Fresh to the market at the time, the iconic 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:John Player Special 6241 is an astonishingly well-preserved masterpiece in 14k yellow gold. This reference 6241 is distinguished by its untouched dial and case, robust and rich with patina. The exceptional preservation and rarity of this John Player Special cannot be overstated. Offered by the fam🧸ily of its original owner, this piece was a surprise discovery when settling a family estate. Purchased between 1970-71, it saw only a brief period of wear before being stored in a bank’s safety deposit box, forgotten for nearly 50 years before it was brought to our specialists at Sotheby's.

Among the gre💫atest joys of collecting Rolex Daytona watches are the endless variations, including the highly coveted Paul Newman iterations. The John Player Special variant, named for its resemblance to the black and gold livery of John Player Special-sponsored Team Lotus cars of the 1970s, is espec🌠ially rare. It is believed that 3,000 reference 6241 watches were produced, with only 300 in 18k yellow gold. This particular watch is the rarest of the JPS iterations, cased in 14k yellow gold, a specification made for sale in countries like the United States to avoid import taxes.

168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Daytona watches continue to captivate the world of l♏uxury watch collectors with their rich history, timeless design, and rare variations. The exceptional prices achieved at Sotheby's auctions reflect the enduring appeal and immense value of these iconic timepieces. From unique platinum references with stunning hardstone and Stella dials to the legendary John Player Special editions, each Rolex Daytona tells a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and elegance. As the market for luxury watches continues to flourish, a top-sellin🔯g Rolex Daytona stand as symbols of prestige and refined taste, treasured by collectors across generations.

How Much is a Rolex Daytona?

The price of a 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Daytona can vary significantly based on factors like model, material, age, and condition. A stainless steel Daytona typically retails for a🥂round $15,100, but due to overwhelming demand, unworn models often fetch between $25,000 and $40,000 on the secondary market. For Rolex Daytonas crafted in precious metals like yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum, prices range from $30,000 to $85,000, with newer or in-demand models often commanding even higher prices at auction. Vintage Daytonas, especially the iconic Paul Newman variants, can reach six to seven figures, with rare references achieving record-breaking prices.

Advantages to Buying Rolex Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, col💛lectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors aroಌund the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in pers༺on at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available onl🤡ine.

3. Value

While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with 🍎strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraintsꦉ. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production 🐓Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Your Rolex Daytona Watch with Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, s♛howcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, London, Paris, or 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
Contact a 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Watch Specialist about selling a Rolex Daytona watch.

T🐠rust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.