A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA “PAUL NEWMAN” DIALS

By G. Rossier & A. Marquié.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” is arguably the most iconic watch model in the eyes of the general public – across all brands.

Produced between approximately 1966/67 and 1972, it is extremely difficult – if not impossible – to know a precise number of Cosmograph Daytonas originally sold with this exotic dial. First, we lack data on the ratio between standard-dial Daytonas and those fitted with this exotic dial. Second, it is well known that exotic dials were initially unpopular and often replaced with standard ones. Later, when the exotic dial – renamed “Paul Newman” – became famous and highly sought after by collectors, the trend reversed: standard dials were swapped out in favor of “Paul Newman” dials. To further complicate matters, these dials were also produced for some time as service dials, just like any other watch component.

The Daytona “Paul Newman” models stand apart from the standard Cosmograph Daytona and are often considered a category of their own. These exotic dials were fitted to nearly all Cosmograph references – except for the 6269 and 6270 – with variations specific to both the reference and the production period. Offered in numerous configurations across both steel and gold models, these dials are the focus of the analysis presented in this article.

Today, the exotic dial is inseparably linked to actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. The association likely began when Newman developed a passion for motorsports. To support his new interest, his wife, Joanne Woodward, gifted him a Rolex chronograph – an exotic-dial reference 6239 – engraved with the now-famous inscription on the caseback: DRIVE CAREFULLY – ME.

Credit: Phillips.

This watch was likely originally purchased in the early 1970s at Tiffany & Co. in New York, as suggested by an inventory number – possibly engraved by the retailer – found on the underside of the left lug, a common practice of the jeweler at the time.

Paul Newman cherished his watch and wore it for approximately 15 years, in a wide range of settings: at the racetrack, during parties, charity galas, photo shoots, while directing films, and even at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 1984, Newman gifted the watch to James Cox, the then-boyfriend of his daughter Nell Newman.

For more than three decades, the watch disappeared from public view and the radar of Rolex historians – until it re-emerged in 2017 when Cox consigned it for auction.

That year, the Daytona made history at the Winning Icons auction in New York, hosted by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. Paul Newman’s Paul Newman sold for an astonishing $17.8 million – at the time, a world record for any wristwatch and still the highest price ever achieved for a Rolex. Proceeds from the sale were donated to the Nell Newman Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation, in alignment with Paul Newman’s enduring philanthropic legacy.

When exploring the vintage Daytona collection, it’s essential to recognize the role this very watch played in the birth of Rolex collecting as we know it today. It was the iconic images of Paul Newman wearing his Daytona that ignited global fascination and transformed the model into an icon of vintage watch collecting.

DIAL ANALYSIS


1. Preliminary note

It is important to understand that this analysis is based on the systematic observation of a large number of examples and is intended to guide collectors, but it does not carry official status, as it has not been validated by the brand.

2. Dial-making process

Daytona dials were made by dial manufacturer Jean Singer & Cie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. That is the reason why the back of each dial bears the manufacturer’s signature:

  • the interlaced JS initials for Jean Singer;
  • the name SINGER in full, in rounded lettering early in production, later shifting to a more angular typeface.

An example of the dial-maker
Singer’s signature on the back
of a Daytona dial.

To approach this analysis in the most suitable way, it is necessary to understand the manufacturing context of the time. Based on information we obtained from Jean Singer & Cie during the production of our book MOONWATCH ONLY, we can easily transpose the techniques used for the Daytona dials.

Many steps in the dial-making process were done manually, and thus did not allow for absolute precision or perfect repeatability of each gesture:

  • the stamping of inscriptions on the dial, done manually by pressing, could result in variations in intensity or thickness or slight inaccuracies in the positioning;
  • some differences in positioning were likely intentional, such as the placement of the 12 o’clock inscriptions being closer to or farther from the Rolex coronet;
  • there were also differences in typography resulting from the use of different printing plates. In particular, it is known that serif fonts help better distribute excess ink and thus avoid smudging;
  • when a dial’s color is applied via a chemical bath, thickness variations may occur: thinner layers at the edges and thicker deposits in recessed areas, resulting in surface finish heterogeneity.

These facts explain certain variations that may be encountered and should therefore not be automatically regarded as non-conforming.

Exotic dials, instantly recognizable by their distinctive Art Deco-style numerals in the subdials, differ in many ways from the standard Daytona dials produced during the same period.

Standard Daytona dial.

Credit: Alliance Genève.

Exotic Daytona dial.

Credit: Alliance Genève.

3. Structure and design features of exotic dials

They are divided into three areas:

  • the central area is flat and raised above the others;
  • the three subdials are recessed;
  • the outer track is also lower.

This view allows to clearly see the three-dimensional construction of the exotic dials:

Credit: Phillips.

Understanding the central area

All exotic dials feature a grained texture (“grenée” in French), with a notably rough appearance under magnification.

Understanding the subdials

Standard dials feature flat subdials decorated with concentric circles. On the outer third of each subdial, there’s a smooth, sloped edge doing the junction with the central area. This sloped portion covers about one-third of the surface.

By contrast, exotic dials (with one known exception) have fully flat subdials covered with 26 fine concentric circles. Between the main dial surface and the subdials, there isn’t a slope in this case, but a step.

Beyond these structural differences, exotic dials stand apart from standard Daytona dials through several design details.

The subdials are in a contrasting color to the central area, as is also the case on standard Daytonas. One of the most distinctive features is the design of some markers, which are extended with square plots, imperfectly aligned with the top of the markers. Additionally, lines radiating from the center are aligned toward the subdial numerals – three on the 30-minute counter, and four on the other two.

Notably, the typography varies between the three subdials – for instance, the number 3 differs, and the number 5 even appears different in the same subdial, that displaying the running seconds.

Understanding the outer track

Unlike standard dials, the outer minute track on exotic dials is also recessed and separated from the central area by a distinct step, similar to the subdials.

This contrasting-colored area carries the minute scale, printed in black or red on a white background, in gold or red on a black background, and in black on a gold background.

Square hour markers (plots) are applied to the minute track. These are either polished (gold-colored for champagne dials with black tracks) or finished with a drop of black varnish on lighter dials, always with the aim of maximizing contrast. On the inner side of each plot sits an oval tritium lume dot – except at 12 o’clock.

At 6 o’clock, beneath the minute track, appears the T SWISS T marking. The shape and placement of this marking sometimes allow to guess the production period of the dial.

The earliest versions, known to scholars as “Sing-a-Song” dials, feature a slightly pyramidal script with letters of varying size. Later versions display a more linear inscription, like in the standard Daytona dial. There are also variations in the spacing of the Ts around the word SWISS.

Understanding the typography

It is important to understand that certain features are found across all dials and often provide chronological clues.

  • T SWISS T: The pyramidal shape is considered earlier than the flat or linear version.

Pyramidal T SWISS T (“Sing-a-Song”).

Flat T SWISS T.

  • ROLEX OYSTER COSMOGRAPH: The earliest typography is the one where the R in ROLEX has a short tail and the E has a medium middle bar. A second typography type (with a few variants) features much more pronounced serifs on the letters.

Old style writing with no or very short serifs.

More pronounced serifs on the newer style fonts.

  • 30-minute subdial: The earliest type features an asymmetrical 3 in 30, with the lower loop being longer. A second type shows a 3 with symmetrical loops and other differences, for example in the shape of the 2 or the 0.

Older style.
Asymmetrical 3
(longer lower loop).

Newer style.
Symmetrical 3 (both loops with same length).
Thinner 2, squarer 0 (inside).

4. Two categories: non-Oyster and Oyster

The dial layout is largely consistent between the steel and yellow gold models, so we have chosen to classify them together.

We have divided the dials into two primary categories:

  • A. Non-Oyster dials: found mainly on Daytonas with pump pushers;
  • B. Oyster dials: found on most Daytonas equipped with screw-down pushers.

The table below summarizes the information indicated on the dial for each category (the Daytona name, when present, always appears above the subdial at 6 o’clock).

NON-OYSTER
any color
OYSTER
black
OYSTER
white or champagne
ROLEX
COSMOGRAPH


DAYTONA
ROLEX
COSMOGRAPH
OYSTER

DAYTONA
ROLEX
OYSTER
COSMOGRAPH

RC-DRCO-DROC

A. NON OYSTER DIALS

“Paul Newman” dials fitted to non-Oyster Daytona models typically feature the inscriptions ROLEX COSMOGRAPH at 12 o’clock and DAYTONA arched above the lower subdial.

These dials were fitted to references 6239, 6241, 6262, 6264, and also to most examples of 6240, likely due to the transitional nature of that reference.

A1. RC-D / REVERSE PANDA


(Steel models)

Credit: Alliance Genève.

NameA1. RC-D / REVERSE PANDA
Production years~1966/67 to ~1971
References6239, 6240, 6241, 6262, 6264
Main dialBlack
SubdialsWhite with black printing
Outer trackWhite with red minute scale

These dials are referred to as “Reverse Panda” due to their contrasting black dial and white subdials, the inverse of the “Panda” configuration.

The earliest variants are distinguished by the unique pyramidal shape of the T SWISS T inscription, nicknamed “Sing-a-Song” by collectors (type A1.1.). This distinctive shape appears in both wide (variant A1.1.1.) and narrow (variant A1.1.2.) forms and may be the result of printing constraints imposed by the adjacent square hour marker.

Later dial variants introduced a flatter T SWISS T inscription (A1.2.), which gradually became the standard. The first version in this group (A1.2.1.) is identical to the A1.1. dials, apart from the updated T SWISS T text. Subsequent variants emerged, such as a later one (A1.2.2.) that combines early-style typography with a wider T SWISS T inscription and a 30-minute subdial print typical of later production. This dial is particularly noteworthy, as it will be discussed further in the next section dedicated to Oyster dials.

Another variant features a larger spacing between the coronet and the text, along with more pronounced serifs (A1.2.3.). Notably, the R in ROLEX has a longer tail, and the E features an extended central bar. Although considered a later characteristic, this typeface already appeared on standard Daytona dials – such as those on reference 6239 – as early as 1964 (around the 1.0 million serial range). A similar dial will also be referenced in the next section.

A rare and unusual version, also bearing the flat (or linear) T SWISS T, is the so-called “Musketeer” dial (A1.3.). Its most distinctive trait lies in the subdials, which exhibit concentric circles over only two-thirds of their surface. The remaining outer sector is smooth and slightly sloped – a unique design trait.

VariantsSubdialsT SWISS TSWISSROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
A1.1.1.
Wide
Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalWideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A1.1.2.
Narrow
Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A1.2.1.
High ROLEX / Narrow Flat SWISS
Concentric circlesFlatNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A1.2.2.
High ROLEX / Wide Flat SWISS
Concentric circlesFlatWideHighShort tailMediumSymmetrical
A1.2.3.
Low ROLEX
Concentric circlesFlatWideLowLong tailLongAsymmetrical
A1.3.
Musketeer
Partial concentric circlesFlatNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical

Wide Sing-a-Song (A1.1.1.).

Narrow Sing-a-Song (A1.1.2.).

Narrow Flat SWISS (A1.2.1.).

Wide Flat SWISS (A1.2.2. & A1.2.3.).

High ROLEX (A1.2.1. & A1.2.2.).

Low ROLEX (A1.2.3.).

Musketeer (A1.3.).

A2. RC-D / PANDA 3 COLORS


(Steel models)

Credit: Alliance Genève.

NameA2. RC-D / PANDA 3 COLORS
Production years~1966/67 to ~1969/70
References6239, 6240, 6241
Main dial White
SubdialsBlack with white printing
Outer trackBlack with red minute scale

These ivory-tone dials represent the classic “Panda” configuration, so named for their white-and-black color contrast reminiscent of the animal’s face.

Like their reverse counterparts, they include both wide and narrow versions of the “Sing-a-Song” (variants A2.1.1. and A2.1.2.). Notably, the wide version features Ts set further apart than those found on the “Reverse Panda” dials. For this reason, A2.1.1. was named “Extra-wide Sing-a-Song”.

The “Musketeer” layout (variant A2.3.) can also be found in this category, featuring a flat T SWISS T marking that frequently discolored to light red or even whitish.

VariantsSubdialsT SWISS TSWISSROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
A2.1.1.
Extra-Wide
Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalExtra-WideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A2.1.2.
Narrow
Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A2.2.
Flat
SWISS
Concentric circlesFlatNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A2.3.
Musketeer
Partial concentric circlesFlatNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical

Extra Wide Sing-a-Song (A2.1.1.).

Narrow Sing-a-Song (A2.1.2.).

Flat SWISS (A2.2.).

Musketeer (A2.3.).

A3. RC-D / PANDA 2 COLORS


(Steel models)

Credit: Alliance Genève.

NameRC-D / PANDA 2 COLORS
Production years~1970 to ~1971/72
References6262, 6264
Main dial White
SubdialsBlack with white printing
Outer trackBlack with white minute scale

With the introduction of references 6262 and 6264, a visual update was made: the red minute scale was replaced by a white printing, likely to improve legibility.

These later dials also feature a flatter T SWISS T inscription. To date, no variant has been observed combining pronounced serifed text with a low-positioned ROLEX signature. In contrast, many examples are fitted with the second typographic style of the 30-minute subdial.

VariantsSubdialsT SWISS TSWISSROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
A3.1.
Asymmetrical 3
Concentric circlesFlatWideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A3.2.
Symmetrical 3
Concentric circlesFlatWideHighShort tailMediumSymmetrical

Flat SWISS (A3.1. & A3.2.).

Asymmetrical 3 (A3.1.).

Symmetrical 3 (A3.2.).

A4. RC-D / JOHN PLAYER SPECIAL


(Gold models)

NameRC-D / JPS
Production years~1967 to ~1971
References6239, 6241, 6262, 6264
Main dial Black
SubdialsChampagne with black printing
Outer trackChampagne with black minute scale

Exotic-dial Daytonas in yellow gold are exceptionally rare, making them some of the most collectible Rolex watches ever produced. Apart from the specific champagne hue to remind the metal of the case, their dials generally share the same visual design and layout as their stainless steel counterparts.

This dial earned the nickname “John Player Special” or “JPS”, a nod to the iconic black and gold livery of the Lotus Formula One cars sponsored by the John Player & Sons tobacco company during the 1970s.

The JPS dial is most commonly found on references 6241 and 6264, while sightings on the 6239 are scarcer. Only one example has been reported on reference 6262, and it remains uncertain whether this was an original factory configuration.

VariantsSubdialsT SWISS TSWISSROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
A.4.1.1.
Extra-wide Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalExtra-WideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A4.1.2.
Narrow Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A4.2. Flat SWISSConcentric circlesFlatNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical

Extra Wide Sing-a-Song (A4.1.1.).

Narrow Sing-a-Song (A4.1.2.).

Flat SWISS (A4.2.).

A5. RC-D / CHAMPAGNE


(Gold models)

NameRC-D / CHAMPAGNE
Production years~1967 to ~1969
References6239, 6241
Main dialChampagne
SubdialsBlack with gilt (gold-colored) printing
Outer trackBlack with gilt minute scale

This configuration features an elegant champagne-colored dial, paired with black subdials that bear gilt printing. It is slightly more common than the “JPS” version but still considered a rare and desirable configuration among collectors.

VariantsSubdialsT SWISS TSWISSROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
A.5.1.1.
Extra-wide Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalExtra-WideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A5.1.2.
Narrow Sing-a-Song
Concentric circlesPyramidalNarrowHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical
A5.2. Flat SWISSConcentric circlesFlatWideHighShort tailMediumAsymmetrical

Extra Wide Sing-a-Song (A5.1.1.).

Narrow Sing-a-Song (A5.1.2.).

Flat SWISS (A5.2.).

A6. RC-D / LEMON


(Gold models)

Credit: Sotheby’s.

NameRC-D / LEMON
Production years~1969 to ~1971
References6264
Main dialChampagne
SubdialsBlack with white printing
Outer trackBlack with gilt minute scale

Fitted exclusively to reference 6264, this rare variant is distinguished by an intense, lemon-yellow champagne tone on the main dial, earning it the nickname “Lemon” or “Limoncello” among collectors.

Unlike the previous champagne dial (type A5.), the subdials feature white printing rather than gilt, enhancing legibility. The outer track retains its gilt minute scale.

This configuration is one of the rarest known Paul Newman dial variants and is highly sought after by collectors.

B. OYSTER DIALS

The introduction of references 6263 and 6265 marked a major technical evolution in the Daytona lineage: the arrival of screw-down pushers and the corresponding inscription OYSTER on the dial. This new designation highlighted the enhanced waterproof capabilities of the chronograph, aligning it more closely with Rolex’s broader Oyster case philosophy.

While a few rare examples of reference 6240 are known with exotic Paul Newman dials and the word OYSTER, their originality remains a subject of debate among collectors and scholars.

It is also worth noting that Oyster Paul Newman dials are considerably rarer than their non-Oyster counterparts. Certain configurations – such as black dials on yellow gold models – have not been observed.

In total, we consider that only three versions exist:

B1. RCO-D / REVERSE PANDA


(Steel models)

Credit: Alliance Genève.

NameRCO-D / REVERSE PANDA
Production years1969 to ~1970/71
References6263
Main dialBlack
SubdialsWhite with black printing
Outer trackWhite with red minute scale

This rare “Reverse Panda” dial is known for its distinctive script layout, where OYSTER appears on the last line – earning it the nickname “Oyster Sotto” (Italian for “Oyster Beneath”). The abbreviation “RCO” (ROLEX COSMOGRAPH OYSTER) is also commonly used to distinguish it from the “Panda ROC”.

Exclusively seen on reference 6263, the “RCO” dial is rarer than its ivory “ROC” counterpart, and two dial variants have been documented and named “Mk1” and “Mk2” by the scholars.

Like other types, they are differentiated by three key characteristics:

  • the shape of R and E in ROLEX;
  • the style of the 3 in the 30-minute subdial;
  • the spacing between the Rolex coronet and the inscriptions.

It is intriguing to note that the “RCO Mk1” dial combines the so-called earlier-style font for the ROLEX COSMOGRAPH OYSTER text with the more modern typography of the subdial, with the symmetrical 3. Conversely, the “RCO Mk2” dial features the more modern ROLEX COSMOGRAPH OYSTER lettering but retains the earlier-style typography for the 30-minute subdial. Because we don’t think that an established chronology exists between “Mk1” and “Mk2”, we have renamed them “High Rolex” and “Low Rolex”, respectively.

Interestingly, both variants correspond directly to two variations of non-Oyster dials (A1.2.1. and A1.2.2.), featuring the same similarities and differences. This strongly suggests that “RCO” dials were adapted from existing non-Oyster dials, where the word OYSTER was added, which explains its position at the bottom of the text stack.

VariantsROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
Former name
B1.1.
High ROLEX
HighShort tailMediumSymmetricalMk1
B1.2.
Low ROLEX
LowLong tailLongAsymmetricalMk2

High ROLEX / Symmetrical 3 (B1.1.).

Low ROLEX / Asymmetrical 3 (B1.2.).

B2. ROC / PANDA


(Steel models)

Credit: Alliance Genève.

NameROC / PANDA
Production years1969 to ~1971/72
References6263, 6265
Main dialWhite
SubdialsBlack with white printing
Outer trackBlack with white minute scale

The emergence of OYSTER on the white dial coincided with the disappearance of DAYTONA from the dial – one name seemingly replacing the other. This was also observed on the references 6263 and 6265 equipped with standard Daytona dials. During that time, the non-Oyster model was still produced and the existence of two different Daytona collections at the same time possibly corresponded to different targets: the non-Oyster references (6262 and 6264) for racing drivers and the more waterproof Oyster references (6263 and 6265) for people gravitating around the aquatic context, like sailors or divers. When the “Big Red” Daytona was launched around the mid-1970s, the references with pump pushers (6262 and 6264) were already phased out, leaving only one collection for the Daytona and then it made sense that the name DAYTONA returned on the dial.

This dial configuration, nicknamed “Panda”, features the iconic trio of inscriptions at 12 o’clock: ROLEX OYSTER COSMOGRAPH, often abbreviated by collectors as “ROC”.

Despite the limited production, four distinct script variations have been identified and classified as “Mk1”, “Mk1.5”, “Mk1.75”, and “Mk2” by scholars.

Initially, only two dial types had been identified:

  • one type (“Mk1”) observed on the earliest known examples (starting from 2.085 million), featuring typography similar to non-Oyster dials – most notably the R in ROLEX with a short tail (small serifs);
  • another type (“Mk2”) with more pronounced serif characters, especially the R in ROLEX with a longer tail. This version appears on later examples, mainly starting around the 2.8 million serial range.

Later, two additional versions were discovered, combining certain features from both previously documented types. These were therefore referred to as “Mk1.5” and “Mk1.75” (see details in the table below).

However, several collectors and scholars – including ourselves – have identified additional variants of the “Mk2” version.

One distinguishing feature appears in the 30-minute subdial. As seen on several other dials, some examples adopt the second typographic style, characterized by differences in the shape of the numerals 2 and 3. In earlier versions, the 3 features an elongated lower loop, whereas in this newer variant, both loops are symmetrical in length. Additionally, the middle bar of the 3 is slightly shorter.

Another difference appears in the positioning of the ROLEX OYSTER COSMOGRAPH text, which is usually placed fairly close to the Rolex coronet, and can sometimes be found farther away. This was already seen with the “Mk1.75” dials. In the usual layout, the distance roughly corresponds to the height of the letter L located just below the coronet. In this new variant, the distance is about 1.5 times the height of that letter. This difference in positioning is also observed on standard Daytona “ROC” dials (“High ROLEX” and “Low ROLEX”).

Finally, these two characteristics are found together on a few rare examples.

While the variant with the modified subdial can be found in the same serial range as the “original Mk2”, the two with the lower text positioning are seen mostly in the higher serial range for this model: 3.0 million.

Due to these numerous, seemingly legitimate variations, we have decided to adopt a naming convention consistent with the one used throughout this article and in our methodology developed for the MOONWATCH ONLY book.

VariantsROLEX
position
R in ROLEXE in ROLEX
(middle bar length)
3
(30-minute subdial)
Former name
B2.1.
Short R
HighShort tailMediumAsymmetricalMk1
B2.2.
Short E
HighLong tailShortAsymmetricalMk1.5
B2.3.
Long E
LowLong tailVery LongAsymmetricalMk1.75
B2.4.1. High Rolex / Asymmetrical 3HighLong tailLongAsymmetricalMk2
B2.4.2. High Rolex / Symmetrical 3HighLong tailLongSymmetrical(Mk2.5)
B2.4.3. Low Rolex / Asymmetrical 3LowLong tailLongAsymmetricalMk2L
B2.4.4. Low Rolex / Symmetrical 3LowLong tailLongSymmetrical

Short R (B2.1.).

Short E (B2.2.).

Long E (B2.3.).

High Rolex / Asymmetrical 3 (B2.4.1.).

High Rolex / Symmetrical 3 (B2.4.2.).

Low Rolex / Asymmetrical 3 (B2.4.3.).

Low Rolex / Symmetrical 3 (B2.4.4.).

B3. ROC / LEMON


(Gold models)

Credit: Christie’s.

NameROC / LEMON
Production years~1969
References6263
Main dialChampagne
SubdialsBlack with white printing
Outer trackBlack with gilt minute scale

This ultra-rare configuration, known as the “Lemon ROC”, is considered the grail among grails, with only three known examples.

It shares visual similarities with the earlier non-Oyster “Lemon” dial (type A6.):

  • the champagne tone is intense, giving rise to the nickname “Lemon” or “Limoncello”;
  • the subdial scripts are in white, while the outer minute track retains gold-colored text.

The difference with the non-Oyster dial is logically the addition of OYSTER between ROLEX and COSMOGRAPH.

To date, this dial has only been observed on reference 6263, and no gold Daytona with a black dial version in the Oyster configuration has surfaced.

SYNTHESIS

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA PN DIALS – MAIN TYPES

A1. RC-D
Reverse Panda

A4. RC-D
JPS

B1. RCO-D
Reverse Panda

A2. RC-D
Panda 3 Colors

A5. RC-D
Champagne

B2. ROC
Panda

A3. RC-D
Panda 2 Colors

A6. RC-D
Lemon

B3. ROC
Lemon

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA PN DIALS – TYPES & VARIANTS

A1. RC-D Reverse PandaA1.1.1. Wide Sing-a-Song
A1.1.2. Narrow Sing-a-Song
A1.2.1. High ROLEX / Narrow Flat SWISS
A1.2.2. High ROLEX / Wide Flat SWISS
A1.2.3. Low ROLEX
A1.3. Musketeer
A2. RC-D Panda 3 ColorsA2.1.1. Extra-Wide Sing-a-Song
A2.1.2. Narrow Sing-a-Song
A2.2. Flat SWISS
A2.3. Musketeer
A3. RC-D Panda2 ColorsA3.1. Asymmetrical 3
A3.2. Symmetrical 3
A4. RC-D John Player SpecialA4.1.1. Extra-Wide Sing-a-Song
A4.1.2. Narrow Sing-a-Song
A4.2. Flat SWISS
A5. RC-D ChampagneA5.1.1. Extra-Wide Sing-a-Song
A5.1.2. Narrow Sing-a-Song
A5.2. Flat SWISS
A6. RC-D Lemon
B1. RCO-D Reverse PandaB1.1. High ROLEX
B1.2. Low ROLEX
B2. ROC PandaB2.1. Short R
B2.2. Short E
B2.3. Long E
B2.4.1. High ROLEX / Asymmetrical 3
B2.4.2. High ROLEX / Symmetrical 3
B2.4.3. Low ROLEX / Asymmetrical 3
B2.4.4. Low ROLEX / Symmetrical 3
B3. ROC Lemon

For additional information, please read our ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA books.

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