chapter 486

11/12/2017

Most Expensive Watch

time is money

Paul Newman's watch fetched $18 million at auction last week. It is a fascinating story most meticulously described in this Rolex documentation. So, I was wondering if I had captured that watch in my above photo July 4, 2004 when Christie and I ventured to Lime Rock Racetrack for the Rolex sponsored race. 

Turns out Newman gave the auctioned Rolex Daytona (ref #6239) to a suitor of his daughter, Nell, in 1985. However, the black dial Rolex Daytona above worn with a black crocodile FatStrap may be the Oyster Cosmograph model reference number 6263 and who knows may be worth more someday. His actress wife Joanne (Woodward) gave it to him on his birthday inscribed "Drive Slowly - Joanne". 

We had gotten into the paddock just after the conclusion of this American GT Challenge race. Paul drove this Corvette numbered 79.5 to match his age. Pictured also is Michael Brockman in a cool driving suit, a friend and teammate driving a sister Corvette car that proceeded the Rolex American Lemans race with the more exotic prototypes. Paul's son is in yellow, and another team guy in white T.

Maybe the black watch will be auctioned along with my photo montage that I gave to Nell in 2005 when she was hawking Newman's Coffee in Latham.

That was early in my blog career but like the Rolex, it's timeless and priceless. As for me, I'll take the superior accuracy of my lightweight $24 Casio any day. Thought you'd want to know.

Paul had numerous motorcycles, favoring Triumphs but took Nell for a ride on this mini in 1969 on the set of his race car film "Winning".

I don't prefer to give rides to passengers, but when I do it's with someone I special. Like Paul, if I last until 83 that will be fine. Note: One needs tight fitting sleeves on a motorcycle to keep the wind out and a Rolex wouldn't do.

At a Baby shower with my daughter Christie I was a reluctant participant but it was a good time had by all. My retirement watch will someday be auctioned off and might could fetch as much as $18.

Paul Newman Daytona Rolex

History of the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph

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