1972 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 with MK2 'Paul Newman' Exotic ‘Panda’ dial

There are few watches in the world more mythologized—or more obsessively studied—than the Rolex Daytona 6263 with ‘Paul Newman’ dial. Once dismissed for its unusual dial layout, the Paul Newman has become Rolex’s most iconic watch, breaking auction records and redefining collector culture along the way.

Of the roughly 12,500 steel 6263s produced, it’s estimated that only 3–5% were fitted with these ‘Exotic’ Singer-made dials. Within that sliver, the MK2 dial variant—distinguished by its bold fonts and distinctive layout—accounts for just about 100 known examples.

In the world of Paul Newman Daytonas, rarity is relative; condition is everything.

Offered here is something increasingly rare: a fresh-to-market Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 with MK2 'Paul Newman' dial from 91972, consigned to us directly from the family of the original owner, untouched by auction cycles and other dealer or collectors' hands.

The MK2 Exotic ‘Panda’ dial remains in exceptional, untouched condition, its granular surface aging to a delicate creamy patina. Underneath the original, scratched acrylic crystal (intentionally left unrestored), the dial is flawless: no chips, no stains, no printing loss. The black sub-registers are clean and vibrant; the lume plots full and vivid, perfectly matched to a yellow patina hue with the original hands. Under UV light, everything reacts exactly as it should—a textbook case of original preservation.

The stainless steel case remains sharp and strong, with thick lugs and honest signs of use. The original MK1 bezel is preserved beautifully, showing only light wear, while the pushers are a mix of a replaced MK2 upper and original MK1 lower—an honest reflection of the watch’s working life.

The correct Oyster 7835 bracelet with 257 end links and a clasp dated 4/71 completes the package.

Inside, the manually wound Rolex caliber 727 runs strong, with all chronograph functions working perfectly. Service history is unknown, but the movement's crisp behavior speaks to its integrity.

In a market saturated with Daytonas endlessly passed from hand to hand, finding an example like this—direct from the wild, fresh to the market, and preserved this remarkably—is nearly unheard of today.
For serious collectors, this is more than a watch. It’s the rarest kind of opportunity: the chance to write the first new chapter for a true legend.

Plenty of High-Definition content is available under request, including macro shots and UV videos.