Created to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Rolex chronograph, Christie’s Rolex Daytona “Lesson One” auction just concluded in Geneva with eye-popping results for all the watches on offer.

The million dollar Daytona

Curated by Aurel Bacs of Christie’s and Pucci Papaleo, an Italian Daytona specialist, the Rolex Daytona “Lesson One” sale just concluded at Christie’s in Geneva. The sale comprised 50 watches, including specimens from throughout the model’s 50 year history, including recent models like the Daytona Rainbow and this year’s platinum Daytona. All 50 lots on offer were sold, achieving an astounding US$13.2 million in total. Several records were set, including an alarming US$1 million for a rare version of the Paul Newman Daytona with screw-down pushers and a rare dial. Perhaps this is the high water mark of the spectacular run-up in Rolex Daytona prices? The sustainability of such incredible prices is a reasonable question. In any case, here are some highlights from the sale:

Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 with pulsations dial, c. 1967 Price realised US$838,090

Rolex Daytona ref. 6263 made for the Sultan of Oman, c. 1974 Price realised US$864,521

Rolex Daytona ref. 6263/6239 “Paul Newman” with screw-down pushers, c. 1969 Price realised US$1,089,186

Rolex Daytona ref. 16528 with prototype blue dial, c. 1989 Price realised US$283,034

Rolex Daytona ref. 116520 made for the Sultan of Oman, c. 2012 Price realised US$$117,013

Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” ref. 116599RBOW, c. 2012 Price realised US$137,663

Rolex Daytona ref. 116506, platinum, c. 2013 Price realised US$216,956 (all proceeds from this lot go to Children’s Action charity)

The rest of the watches and results are available from Christie’s, which also explains in great detail why each watch is special (and so expensive). – SJX