ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMar 16, 2018
‘The Unicorn’ Rolex to Appear at Auction in May
The only known white gold Cosmograph Daytona is expected to sell for nearly $3 million when it hits the block for the first time this spring.
The white gold Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 is unique in that it is believed to be the only watch of that model made in white gold rather than yellow gold or stainless steel. It’s expected to sell for more than about $2.8 million in May.
Geneva--It’s safe to say that when it comes to watches, Rolex is one of the most sought-after brands.
But even within the company’s lineup, there are those rare and special pieces that have collectors clamoring.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6265 is one of those. Also known as “The Unicorn” because of its rarity, the watch is the only known white gold manual-winding Daytona ever produced.
It will headline Phillips’ thematic “Daytona Ultimatum” sale, which will offer 32 of the rarest and most sought-after Daytonas ever made by Rolex on May 12 in Geneva.
Until the discovery of the Ref. 6265, it was believed that Rolex only produced manually-wound Daytonas in stainless steel or 18-karat yellow gold, with some 14-karat yellow gold watches created for the U.S. market.
Rolex manufactured this particular one in 1970 and delivered it in 1971 to a German retailer, who, it is believed, had placed a special order for an exclusive client with enough means and influence to convince the watch brand to stray from its norm.
At the time of production, it was “very likely the rarest, most luxurious and special Cosmograph offered by Rolex,” Phillips said.
Though Rolex made plenty of watches in white gold in the 1970s, they were Day-Dates.
The decision to use white gold for a sports watch was more surprising, Phillips said—meant to be worn every day, it made more sense to be featured in a metal that was more forgiving when it came to wear and tear, like stainless steel.
The watch also features a black “sigma” dial with white gold indexes, consistent with the case metal. The crown, which is a different color than the case and pushers, is made from stainless steel, not gold.
The bracelet, white gold with a bark finish, is not the one that originally came with the watch. It was added by the current owner in place of a leather strap, and comes from a white gold Ref. 1507 Oyster Date.
Service marks left on the caseback between 1971 and 2010 also suggest the watch was returned to Rolex on several occasions, and in some cases, sent back to Rolex Geneva.
Rolex produced the Daytona in 1970 and delivered it a year later to a German retailer, who, it is believed, had placed a special order for an influential, exclusive client.
The gold hallmarks found engraved in the lugs confirm the exceptional and precious nature of this unique watch.
The watch comes with a white gold bracelet with bark finish, which was added by its current owner.
The white gold Ref. 6265 has been in the private ownership of collector John Goldberger, who discovered the watch about eight years ago, knowing he had stumbled upon something special when he picked it up and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
felt the weight of its metal.
Goldberger and the watch both were featured in an episode of “Talking Watches” on Hodinkee in 2013.
The collector has always maintained, up to now of course, that the Daytona would never be for sale, given its irreplaceable status.
But that changed once he realized that so much good could come from its sale.
Now, it’s hitting the auction block for the first time and its sale will benefit Children Action, a foundation dedicated to helping the lives of youths across the world.
It is expected to sell in excess of 3 million Swiss francs (about $2.8 million at current exchange rates).
Vintage Rolex watches have been selling for quite a premium lately.
In October, Phillips put Paul Newman’s Rolex Ref. 6239 Cosmograph Daytona on the block and the watch went for a record-setting $17.8 million.
Earlier in 2017, the Bao Dai Rolex—purchased in 1954 for an unknown amount by Nguyen Phuc Vinh Thuy, the last emperor of Vietnam—garnered $5 million.
Goldberger and the watch both were featured in an episode of “Talking Watches” on Hodinkee in 2013.
The collector has always maintained, up to now of course, that the Daytona would never be for sale, given its irreplaceable status.
But that changed once he realized that so much good could come from its sale.
Now, it’s hitting the auction block for the first time and its sale will benefit Children Action, a foundation dedicated to helping the lives of youths across the world.
It is expected to sell in excess of 3 million Swiss francs (about $2.8 million at current exchange rates).
Vintage Rolex watches have been selling for quite a premium lately.
In October, Phillips put Paul Newman’s Rolex Ref. 6239 Cosmograph Daytona on the block and the watch went for a record-setting $17.8 million.
Earlier in 2017, the Bao Dai Rolex—purchased in 1954 for an unknown amount by Nguyen Phuc Vinh Thuy, the last emperor of Vietnam—garnered $5 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
