ChristIes Auction - Important Pocket Watches & Wristwatches - featuring property from the collection of Eric Clapton - Auction No.1218

On Thursday 5th June 2003, the hammer fell on a collection of watches owned by the famed guitarist - Slow Hand.

Amongst the various pieces were Milgausses, Paul Newman and non Paul Newman Daytona’s, a very rare monochromatic silver dialed Daytona and an equally, if not rarer, Yachtmaster Daytona. All the pieces reached excellent prices and the proceeds went to Mr Clapton’s Charity.

Picture shows Lot 181- Yachtmaster Daytona £77,500.00 ($125,100)

Important Watches, Collector's Wristwatches and Clocks, Noga Hilton, Geneva, Saturday, June 14, 2003

From Antiquorum catalogue,

LOT 308

“So-called "Paul Newman" Rolex Oyster Cosmograph "Daytona" , Ref. 6265, case No. 6047425, with red dial, white sub-dials (consequently immediately renamed the ‘Spirit of Japan’ by all the collectors) and steel bezel. Prototype made in a very few examples in 1979. Extremely fine and rare, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with round button chronograph, registers, tachometer and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a recent Rolex certificate of overhaul.

This was the first time in the world that such watches have been presented for sale“.

The final price?........................... £196,200.00 (SFr 416,000).

This stood as the world record for a Rolex sold at auction for all of about 10 minutes. Why only 10 minutes, well look at Lot 309 below.

Important Watches, Collector's Wristwatches and Clocks, Noga Hilton, Geneva, Saturday, June 14, 2003

From Antiquorum catalogue,

LOT 308

“So-called "Paul Newman" Rolex Oyster Cosmograph "Daytona" , Ref. 6263/6265, No. 3961705, with red dial and steel bezel. Prototype made in a very few examples in 1979. Extremely fine and rare, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with round button chronograph, registers, tachometer and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a Rolex certificate of overhaul and letter of authentication“.

The final price on this authenticated Daytona?

£210,000.00 (SFr 443,500)

This now stands as the most expensive Rolex every sold at Auction.

However, in this collection was a Red Submariner 1680. From the catalogue it appears that it was nothing special, just a good condition, slightly yellowed markered Red Submariner.

But this was Eric Clapton’s Red Submariner and so when the gavel sounded for the time on this lot it was at a staggering £6,000.00 ($9650).

The most expensive standard Rolex RedSubmariner?

Probably.