Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “The Unicorn” Reference 6265 Sold For $ 5,936,906
The “Daytona Ultimatum” thematic auction held by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo on 12 May 2018 realised a total of CHF 22,184,500/$22,182,281/€18,570,645 in a perfect “100% sold” sale.
Daytona Ultimatum featured the most exclusive selection of Rolex Daytona examples to appear on the market, curated by the renowned scholar, Pucci Papaleo, known in the Rolex collecting community as “Mr. Daytona”. The top lot of the sale, “The Unicorn” reference 6265 – the only vintage white gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, achieved $5.93 Million, with proceeds benefitting Children Action resulting in one of the largest charitable contributions ever in the field of watches. Cased in 18 karat white gold, Rolex in 1970 created what scholars believe to be a one-off, unique masterpiece upon special order from an important German retailer. A breathtaking chronograph, it is most likely to be the rarest and most luxurious Cosmograph Daytona manufactured by Rolex during this era.
This is the second highest price for a Rolex wristwatch at auction after Paul Newman’s own Paul Newman Daytona sold last year for $17,75 million.
Children Action’s Bernard Sabrier said, “I am absolutely delighted by this wonderful contribution to our cause that will directly enhance the lives of thousands of children around the world. I’m especially grateful for the generosity and kindness of John Goldberger, the private collector who clearly saw the value of ‘The Unicorn’ and our cause, and to Phillips for their efforts in making this donation possible, one of the single largest private contributions in our foundation’s history.”
Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant of Bacs & Russo, said, “The record-breaking sale results of Daytona Ultimatum reflected the collector community’s desire for highest quality property and the importance of the Rolex Daytona in the field of collector’s wristwatches. It’s been a tremendous honour offering ‘The Unicorn’ on behalf of John Goldberger, which achieved one of the largest charitable contributions ever in our industry. After the Joanne Woodward / Paul Newman Daytona we sold last season, it achieved the second highest price ever for a Rolex wristwatch. We are thrilled with this historic result and philanthropic gesture, and delighted by the lasting benefits the sale of this watch will provide to so many children.”
