When news broke that Paul Newman's own Paul Newman Rolex Daytona was going up for auction with Phillips Auction House, whispers immediately started circulating around the watch world. Despite a (very) conservative estimate that the timepiece would fetch upwards of $1 million at auction, some folks had a feeling it would get more than that. A whole lot more.

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In fact, the general feeling seemed to be that this watch was poised to set a new world record. In this instance, that feeling was bang on the money—to the tune of $17,752,500. Following a 12-minute bidding war, the reference 6239 Daytona—with its black-and-creme exotic dial, which became known among collectors as the Paul Newman Daytona—just became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction. It sold to a buyer on the phone. I bet at least a few folks want to know the identity of that buyer. And I bet it'll be a while (if ever) before they do.



Jonathan Evans Jonathan Evans is the style director of Esquire, covering all things fashion, grooming, accessories, and, of course, sneakers.

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