The "Unicorn" Ref 6265 has been SOLD for $5.9M!

[SoCal_Batman]

Just saw an update that the "Unicorn" Daytona Reference 6265 sold at Phillips for USD $5,939,251 (CHF 5,937,500). No word on who the buyer is, but it's well known that all proceeds are being donated to the charity, Children Action. Pretty impressive

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/wh...illips-auction

For anyone not in the loop, here is a great write-up on the history of the Unicorn:

https://www.phillips.com/article/300...reference-6265

[maton12]

Thanks for posting - what a great story in so many ways

[mps354]

Incredibly generous donation!

[LVc]

There's an interesting Hodinkee Talking Watches interview with the seller, John Goldberger on YT. At 6:56 he pries open the case of a hyper-rare Ref. 4113 with a cheese knife ($2M?). Definitely a cool guy. He has an amazing collection.

[leetse2]

I’m curious what people make of the claim that the “Unicorn” has been highly “restored” / modified.

https://instagram.com/p/Bim9oUPn-x_/

[roh123]

Originally Posted by leetse2

I’m curious what people make of the claim that the “Unicorn” has been highly “restored” / modified.

https://instagram.com/p/Bim9oUPn-x_/

Mostly surprised Phillips and Goldberger actually disclosed it. I am super curious to know how he was able to source a bezel and prototype pushers as these aren’t made for any other watch than this example.

https://www.phillips.com/article/319...f-the-auctions

I searched the world for the right components, sparing no expense, to restore it to its original glory.

Having most likely gone through several services at Rolex, the dial, pushers, and bezel were incorrect replacements – and in my view, not worthy of the watch. I approached the restoration with meticulous care, keeping the case, caseback, and movement entirely as purchased. I searched for an absolutely period correct dial for the year of manufacture – a stunning black ‘Sigma’ dial with radiant silver subsidiary dials. I replaced the incorrect bezel and pushers faithfully, as they should have been in 1970. Finally, I put the finishing touch on the watch, replacing its generic leather strap with a superb and very rare 18 karat white gold Rolex mesh bracelet made in the second half of the 1960s. Out of respect for one of the world’s most important wristwatches, this uncompromising approach was the only option! I can only imagine the pleasure a collector of vintage cars feels when a top restoration is completed!

[leetse2]

It doesn’t make sense that there were white gold replacement parts, when this is essentially a 1 of 1. Also, knowing Rolex and their attention to detail, why would they ever use a stainless steel crown on a white gold watch? Just overall strange to me.

[Bt122]

[roh123]

Originally Posted by leetse2

It doesn’t make sense that there were white gold replacement parts, when this is essentially a 1 of 1. Also, knowing Rolex and their attention to detail, why would they ever use a stainless steel crown on a white gold watch? Just overall strange to me.

The crown was obviously changed during its lifetime. As most parts.

[watchmework]

Interesting story.

[yannis]

Very interesting story behind this Rolex.

[Swiss_Time_Watches]

Originally Posted by leetse2

I’m curious what people make of the claim that the “Unicorn” has been highly “restored” / modified.

https://instagram.com/p/Bim9oUPn-x_/

I think this watch belongs in the ‘Watchout’ section. Shocking.

[thomaspp]

Has this legitimized restoration?


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[uncleluck]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Has this legitimized restoration?


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I’d say it was unlikely it was done officially, if Rolex can’t even get a sympathetic restoration on a common model I can’t imagine them doing one on a ‘1 of 1’ where there’s no chance of anything being available.

Doesn’t the guy mention he restores it anyway?

Wasn’t he in an old hoodwinkee video with a SOTC actually? Might be worth watching that to see what he says about it.

I’d imagine if you’re spending millions you’ll have done some research but it depends who the buyer speaks to I guess. The drivvel that comes out of these auctioneers mouths is nauseating to me, some will just be totally sucked in by it. The wind can change and so do ‘experts’ opinions, the Vintage Rolex tornado sucks up many fools and they’ll just go round in their own little world.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Has this legitimized restoration?


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In a way yes. People buy the piece and if correct and nice enough it will fetch top dollar. Best to not talk about the project too loudly but in the end a great piece sells. This have been coming for some time now and with parts costing as they do it is not suprising they end up on nice watches.

[SLSAMG]

A rare watch, plus a children's charity - equates to a very large check. It's like the barrett jackson car auctions that go for ludicrous amounts if there's a children's charity involved.

It's a tax write off in the end.

[DLRIDES]

It’s an over-hyped parts watch, but a children’s charity won !

[jfmiii]

Originally Posted by leetse2

It doesn’t make sense that there were white gold replacement parts, when this is essentially a 1 of 1. Also, knowing Rolex and their attention to detail, why would they ever use a stainless steel crown on a white gold watch? Just overall strange to me.

the fake parts coming out Vietnam for plastic Daytonas will blow your mind...

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by roh123

In a way yes. People buy the piece and if correct and nice enough it will fetch top dollar. Best to not talk about the project too loudly but in the end a great piece sells. This have been coming for some time now and with parts costing as they do it is not suprising they end up on nice watches.

Yes... I’m curious to see how publicly (or not) people begin to speak about restoration going forward


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[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by jfmiii

the fake parts coming out Vietnam for plastic Daytonas will blow your mind...

Elaborate?


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