Tom Brady’s black-and-gold Rolex Daytona up for auction
Sotheby’s has a knack for pulling out some of the most exquisite pieces, and, this time is no different. Going up for sale during the GOAT collection sale is Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman from the late 1960s. And if reports were to be believed, it could fetch up to a hefty US$900,000. The rare timepiece is one of the most sought-after vintage timepieces and has a storied history and was famously worn by Brady during the 2023 NFL season and his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Thus making it such a highly coveted collector’s piece.
The legendary American football quarterback is a known Rolex enthusiast, and his Paul Newman Daytona only adds to his high-profile collection of luxury timepieces. While the Daytona is a favourite among watch enthusiasts for its connection to motorsport and timeless design, owning a Paul Newman variant is particularly special because of its rarity. Over the years, Brady has been known for his expensive timepieces (on and off the field), with many of them being grab-worthy. After retiring from football in 2023, he has managed to stay in the public eye with his horological artistry, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.
So what makes this particular watch so special? Tom Brady’s black and gold Rolex Daytona Paul Newman is named after the legendary actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. This style of Rolex Daytona became famous for its unique dial, often referred to as the exotic dial. Originally, these weren’t particularly popular, but over the years, they’ve become some of the most sought-after watches worldwide.In this timepiece, it’s all in the details. The exotic dial features a distinctive three-colour scheme, with contrasting colours on the subdials, giving it a bold look that stands out. Plus, the subdials have squared-off, Art Deco-style numerals, which add to the vintage charm. When Paul Newman was often seen wearing one, it turned into a symbol of cool, classic style.
Of the approximately 3,000 Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas produced, only around 300-400 were crafted in luxurious gold, and only a select few were adorned with the rare JPS black dial. These exclusive dials, created by Singer, used the same iconic typeface as the exotic variants seen in the famed Paul Newman Daytonas. The addition of a yellow gold Jubilee bracelet adds a final touch, elevating Tom Brady’s watch game to new heights.
It’s not just the remarkable Rolex Cosmograph Daytona that has elevated Brady’s status among watch enthusiasts rather his interest in a variety of other pieces as well. The auction is honouring football’s GOAT watches and will be held live in New York on December 10. Prior to the sale, fans can browse the items in a free exhibition starting December 5. Originally, the watch wasn’t a massive hit when released in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but thanks to Paul Newman’s enduring association with it, the model has since become an icon among collectors, fetching record-breaking prices at auction. Could this auction add to the record-breaking prices?