ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

oztimelord · 29 November 2008, 02:05 PM

Finding my 'grail watch' has been far more of a personal journey of self discovery and experience rather than just going through a number of brand catalogues and finding ‘the one’. The other twist of expensive irony is that the definition of ‘grail watch’ changes as one matures as a collector. I’ve been lucky enough to have owned a number of brands over the last 4 years including; TAG Heuer, Franck Muller, JLC, Panerai, IWC and Audemars Piguet. With the exception of Rolex and Patek Philippe most of the other brands lost their appeal within months. The journey has been further complicated by my self-imposed rule of having to sell watch to buy another. I find that once my collection gets to 8-10 watches it becomes unmanageable, I DO like to actually wear and enjoy my watches.

So why a Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ dial Daytona? That is a difficult one to answer. I guess it was a combination of chance, luck and circumstance that got me here. Chance in the sense that I always admired the dial from afar. After I got the 6263 and the book ‘Rolex Daytona a legend is born’, my subliminal reverence for this watch really began. My trip to London allowed me to see one of these marvels first hand. The combination of the domed plexi-glass, the depth and contrast of the dial is truly majestic.

Original photo of my watch, artistic design courtesy of CROCO from the Rolex Forum.

The luck factor came in as I only wanted the original and best. Hence only a reference 6239 or 6241 would do. These are the only Paul Newman Daytona’s that actually came with these dials (and photos in Rolex catalogues) on all other references these dials were an added option. It also had to be original, absolutely no question about provenance or dispute about the dial.

Circumstance allowed me to finally convince someone to part with theirs.

I've had the Paul Newman Daytona for a few weeks and I still can't contain my joy and excitement. Each person has their own definition of a 'grail watch', to me it must posses the following characteristics:
- has instant attraction to the point that you have to get one
- gives you an undescribable and enchanting feeling
- was very hard to find
- was bought from a colleague that found it very difficult to part with
- needed careful study
- makes you smile everyday
and most importantly makes you lose interest in the majority of other watches.

Here are some initial pictures. You will notice that the tritium has darkened but I like to keep it in this original condition. The pics just don't do this watch any justice.

On the wrist.

Have a look at the 722-1 caliber, isn’t it just divine.

Making this fairy tale possible was a lot of research, patience, persistence and sacrifice. But isn’t that what a grail quest is meant to be all about. I just look at this watch and go WOW!

oldrolex · 29 November 2008, 02:07 PM

speachless......wow

oztimelord · 29 November 2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrolex

speachless......wow

So am I

. Took some time to write a post to do this watch and my excitement any justice.

Still going bonkers

hba · 29 November 2008, 02:16 PM

Simply stunning !
congrats and enjoy in good health!

Herman

DAVIDSW · 29 November 2008, 02:09 PM

very nice.....congrats and enjoy

Rolexshirts · 29 November 2008, 02:09 PM

So nice have the black on black daytona but the Paul Newman WOW very nice watch

kingblackbolt · 29 November 2008, 02:14 PM

Now that is truly the definition of grail... that movement and dial is incredible! Congrats my friend and enjoy!

GerardoG · 29 November 2008, 02:15 PM

Woooof. That IS a beauty! WOW!!!

sea-dweller · 29 November 2008, 02:17 PM

That is my grail watch also. Congratulations !

jamesw · 29 November 2008, 02:22 PM

That's one fantastic Paul Newman. Congratulations.

JediRolex · 29 November 2008, 02:29 PM

What I would give to push the pushers!!!

falken191504 · 29 November 2008, 02:40 PM

So are you going to have it serviced by Rolex?

oztimelord · 29 November 2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falken191504

So are you going to have it serviced by Rolex?

Actually talked to Rolex about this watch. They are happy to service it but it would lose the hands (they would be replaced by luminonva equivalent) and bakelite bezel would be replaced and superdome plexi would be replaced.

Would appeal to some but I'm leaving it as it is. I have these spare parts. I'm just planning to look after it and get an experienced watch maker to oil it every 5 years.

padi56 · 29 November 2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oztimelord

Actually talked to Rolex about this watch. They are happy to service it but it would lose the hands (they would be replaced by luminonva equivalent) and bakelite bezel would be replaced and superdome plexi would be replaced.

Would appeal to some but I'm leaving it as it is. I have these spare parts. I'm just planning to look after it and get an experienced watch maker to oil it every 5 years.

Agree best leave as original as possible and any good watchmaker can service or get any movement parts if necessary.

East Bay Rider · 29 November 2008, 02:54 PM

Why oh why can't they make them look like that anymore. What a great watch. Enjoy.

mretzloff · 29 November 2008, 03:33 PM

Congrats! The movement looks beautiful.

pepemaui · 29 November 2008, 03:59 PM

Seriously, unbelievable. I cant stop touching the screen!

Duc-904 · 29 November 2008, 03:01 PM

Wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing and wear that beauty in good health!

bodybump · 29 November 2008, 03:02 PM

We are not worthy!!!

Paul B · 30 November 2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodybump

We are not worthy!!!

What he said X2 from the newbie.

Paul

Dr.B · 29 November 2008, 03:29 PM

Wow, I wish I could just grab it right off the screen....:-)
Congrats, it looks absolutely stunning.

the KING · 29 November 2008, 06:14 PM

Are we in heaven???? LOL

G.J · 29 November 2008, 06:26 PM

The Rolex (IMHO of course)

Spark · 29 November 2008, 06:34 PM

That is BEAUTIFUL Rene!
I have wanted one for years, well done

swatty · 29 November 2008, 07:13 PM

Thats stunning Rene

, what a great score

RobbRock · 29 November 2008, 07:17 PM

Awesome Congrats

SabaDen · 30 November 2008, 05:46 AM

Owe me a keyboard ... just salivated all over it.

shedlock2000 · 30 November 2008, 07:31 PM

I am truly glad you have eventually found your watch after such along time.

Personally, im not into daytonas, but either way, this is a stunning piece, and i am so happy you get to wear your much deserved, long awaited grail. Enjoy a thousand fold.

Wonderful photos, and great art from Croco too!

Enjoy my friend in good heath.

Chris B · 29 November 2008, 06:30 PM

Brilliant post, truly awesome,

Thanks for sharing with us, many congratulations

Tony-GB · 29 November 2008, 09:19 PM

Congratulations. Life's too short to not treat ourselves now & again.

Thanks for the excellent post.

Wear it in the very best of health.

29 November 2008, 02:05 PM	#1
oztimelord "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Rene Location: Australia Watch: PN 6241 Daytona Posts: 466	My Grail - A Paul Newman ROLEX Daytona 6241 Finding my 'grail watch' has been far more of a personal journey of self discovery and experience rather than just going through a number of brand catalogues and finding ‘the one’. The other twist of expensive irony is that the definition of ‘grail watch’ changes as one matures as a collector. I’ve been lucky enough to have owned a number of brands over the last 4 years including; TAG Heuer, Franck Muller, JLC, Panerai, IWC and Audemars Piguet. With the exception of Rolex and Patek Philippe most of the other brands lost their appeal within months. The journey has been further complicated by my self-imposed rule of having to sell watch to buy another. I find that once my collection gets to 8-10 watches it becomes unmanageable, I DO like to actually wear and enjoy my watches. So why a Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ dial Daytona? That is a difficult one to answer. I guess it was a combination of chance, luck and circumstance that got me here. Chance in the sense that I always admired the dial from afar. After I got the 6263 and the book ‘Rolex Daytona a legend is born’, my subliminal reverence for this watch really began. My trip to London allowed me to see one of these marvels first hand. The combination of the domed plexi-glass, the depth and contrast of the dial is truly majestic. Original photo of my watch, artistic design courtesy of CROCO from the Rolex Forum. The luck factor came in as I only wanted the original and best. Hence only a reference 6239 or 6241 would do. These are the only Paul Newman Daytona’s that actually came with these dials (and photos in Rolex catalogues) on all other references these dials were an added option. It also had to be original, absolutely no question about provenance or dispute about the dial. Circumstance allowed me to finally convince someone to part with theirs. I've had the Paul Newman Daytona for a few weeks and I still can't contain my joy and excitement. Each person has their own definition of a 'grail watch', to me it must posses the following characteristics: - has instant attraction to the point that you have to get one - gives you an undescribable and enchanting feeling - was very hard to find - was bought from a colleague that found it very difficult to part with - needed careful study - makes you smile everyday and most importantly makes you lose interest in the majority of other watches. Here are some initial pictures. You will notice that the tritium has darkened but I like to keep it in this original condition. The pics just don't do this watch any justice. On the wrist. Have a look at the 722-1 caliber, isn’t it just divine. Making this fairy tale possible was a lot of research, patience, persistence and sacrifice. But isn’t that what a grail quest is meant to be all about. I just look at this watch and go WOW! __________________ Regards Rene PN 6241, 6239, 6263, 16520, 116509, 116520

29 November 2008, 02:14 PM	#7
kingblackbolt "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Ren Location: Toronto On Canada Posts: 1,886	Now that is truly the definition of grail... that movement and dial is incredible! Congrats my friend and enjoy! __________________ “Hail to the king, baby" Ash (Army of Darkness 1992)

29 November 2008, 02:17 PM	#9
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	That is my grail watch also. Congratulations ! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

29 November 2008, 02:54 PM	#15
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 11,884	Why oh why can't they make them look like that anymore. What a great watch. Enjoy. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

29 November 2008, 03:33 PM	#16
mretzloff "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Watch: Submariner Date Posts: 822	Congrats! The movement looks beautiful. __________________ "M" 16610 Submariner "M" 16570w Explorer II

29 November 2008, 02:07 PM	#2
oldrolex Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: WI, USA Watch: DD Wanted Posts: 580	speachless......wow

29 November 2008, 02:16 PM	#4
hba Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Herman Location: Philly burbs Watch: hmm a rolex Posts: 238	Simply stunning ! congrats and enjoy in good health! Herman

29 November 2008, 02:09 PM	#5
DAVIDSW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 DATEJUST41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: David Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: 1655 EXP Posts: 36,114	very nice.....congrats and enjoy

29 November 2008, 02:09 PM	#6
Rolexshirts Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Jacob Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Daytona Posts: 124	So nice have the black on black daytona but the Paul Newman WOW very nice watch

29 November 2008, 02:15 PM	#8
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Woooof. That IS a beauty! WOW!!!

29 November 2008, 02:22 PM	#10
jamesw "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 209	That's one fantastic Paul Newman. Congratulations.

29 November 2008, 02:29 PM	#11
JediRolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Derek Location: Chicago Watch: 114060 Posts: 447	What I would give to push the pushers!!!

29 November 2008, 02:40 PM	#12
falken191504 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Watch: Sub Date Posts: 78	So are you going to have it serviced by Rolex?

29 November 2008, 03:59 PM	#17
pepemaui "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Jingleheimer Location: USA Posts: 629	Seriously, unbelievable. I cant stop touching the screen!

29 November 2008, 03:01 PM	#18
Duc-904 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Jesse Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,001	Wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing and wear that beauty in good health!

29 November 2008, 03:02 PM	#19
bodybump ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 DATEJUST41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Oscar Location: Florida Watch: Me!!! Posts: 23,225	We are not worthy!!! __________________

29 November 2008, 03:29 PM	#21
Dr.B "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Fernando Location: North Carolina Watch: SS White Daytona Posts: 1,944	Wow, I wish I could just grab it right off the screen....:-) Congrats, it looks absolutely stunning.

29 November 2008, 06:14 PM	#22
the KING "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Paris Posts: 218	Are we in heaven???? LOL

29 November 2008, 06:26 PM	#23
G.J "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,094	The Rolex (IMHO of course) __________________ In Memory of JJ Irani

29 November 2008, 06:34 PM	#24
Spark "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Mark Location: U.K. Watch: Too Many Posts: 2,092	That is BEAUTIFUL Rene! I have wanted one for years, well done

29 November 2008, 07:13 PM	#25
swatty "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,404	Thats stunning Rene, what a great score __________________ 5513, 7928, 1601(gifted to my daughter), 16610LV, 14060, 16610(Random serial),116610, ,79280P, 70330, 25600TB, 792500BM, M56000, 79030B, 25707B/21 (won this special watch),

29 November 2008, 07:17 PM	#26
RobbRock "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: los angeles Watch: Sub Posts: 128	Awesome Congrats

30 November 2008, 05:46 AM	#27
SabaDen Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Dennis Location: Far East Watch: Daytona ... PAM190 Posts: 192	Owe me a keyboard ... just salivated all over it.

30 November 2008, 07:31 PM	#28
shedlock2000 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: Canada Watch: 16753; Bellini Dia Posts: 1,770	I am truly glad you have eventually found your watch after such along time. Personally, im not into daytonas, but either way, this is a stunning piece, and i am so happy you get to wear your much deserved, long awaited grail. Enjoy a thousand fold. Wonderful photos, and great art from Croco too! Enjoy my friend in good heath. __________________ The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. SS Submariner no date 1992 (sold); SS GMT II 2007 (sold); SS GMT II C 2008 ('M' series) (sold); SS Sub C 2011 (sold); BB GMT 1971 (sold); Omega 50th GMT

29 November 2008, 06:30 PM	#29
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,621	Brilliant post, truly awesome, Thanks for sharing with us, many congratulations

29 November 2008, 09:19 PM	#30
Tony-GB "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: Oxfordshire, UK Watch: 116680 & 116622 Posts: 3,953	Congratulations. Life's too short to not treat ourselves now & again. Thanks for the excellent post. Wear it in the very best of health. __________________ "...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?" http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/ www.cheetah.org

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