DALLAS, TX.- A magnificent Rolex “Paul Newman” Cosmograph Daytona originally owned by a NASA engineer will reach the collecting market for the first time Sept. 16 in Heritage’s Watches & Fine Timepieces Signature Auction.
The Rolex Important & Rare Ref. 6239 “Paul Newman” Cosmograph Daytona, Circa 1969, one of 55 lots in the auction by the legendary watchmaker, was the personal watch of Oran W. Nicks, a pioneering aeronautical engineer and NASA leader known for directing lunar and planetary programs, and later leading Texas A&M University’s Low-Speed Wind Tunnel that now bears his name.
“This is an exceptional watch that comes directly from the family of the original owner,” says Jim Wolf, Heritage’s Director of Watches & Fine Timepieces. “Oran Nicks was a remarkable man, who made extraordinary contributions to NASA and to aeronautical engineering. That he held this watch for so long is a reflection of his appreciation of its incredible craftsmanship and quality.”
Another auction highlight is a Rolex, Ref. 6263 “Big Red” Cosmograph Daytona, circa 1986, Box & Papers. One of the most iconic and sought-after vintage Rolex models, it holds a special place within the watch collecting community for its historical role and distinctive design. Introduced in the early 1970s and produced until the late 1980s, the Ref. 6263 was the first Daytona with screw-down chronograph pushers and the “Oyster” designation, and water resistance increased to 100 meters. The “Big Red” moniker is derived from the word “DAYTONA” written over the top of the subdial at the bottom of the face.
Also offered is an extremely rare Patek Philippe, Rare Ref. 3800/1 Early Gold Nautilus Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1984. The Nautilus 3800 was Patek Philippe’s mid-size evolution of Grald Genta’s iconic Nautilus design, and it offered a more wearable 37.5mm case (like the one on the watch offered in this auction), compared to the 42mm “Jumbo” 3700. One of the earliest gold Nautilus models, it fit the brand’s transition from sport-chic steel to refined precious-metal luxury sports watches.
High-powered Patek Philippe collectors also are likely to be drawn to a dazzling Patek Philippe Calatrava, Diamond Set Spiral Dial, Ref. 4978/400G-001 with blue steel Arabic numerals and leaf hands offset against the spiral of diamonds on the watch’s face. The Calatrava was introduced in 1932, and the Diamond Ribbon Joaillerie in 2019. Its interest among top collectors stems from its technical precision and artistry. This auction boasts the most Patek Philippe watches ever offered at Heritage.
Included in the auction’s 273 lots is an array of seven Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. Among them is an extraordinary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo, Extra-Thin Ref. 15202ST, circa 2016. It features a 33 mm stainless steel body and a transparent case back behind a “Petite Tapisserie” deep blue dial. The Royal Oak is one of the most significant watches in modern collecting because of its impact on luxury horology in the early 1970s, when it became the world’s first luxury stainless steels ports watch.
Other Royal Oaks that are in play in this auction include, but are not limited to:
• An Audemars Piguet Yellow Gold Royal Oak, Ref. 15450BA, circa 2018
• An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, 41 mm, Stainless Steel
• An Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak 34 mm Black Ceramic Automatic, 77350CE
One of the most visually striking lots in the auction is an A. Lange & Shne Very Fine Lange 1 “Darth” Platinum Ref. 101.035 With Papers. It earned its nickname because its monochromatic platinum case paired with an all-black dial sometimes is associated with the “evil” aesthetic of the iconic Star Wars character. The dial covers a 38.5 mm platinum, three-body, transparent case and features solid silver, white gold indices and Roman numerals and white gold feuille hands.
Not all lots in the auction are watches, including a Rolex And Herbert Leupin | A Large Advertising Poster Printed By Wolfsberg-Druck, Zurich, Circa. 1959 — a lithograph on linen that suggests even Santa Claus wants a Rolex!
