A rare vintage white gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref 6265 is up for sale in the upcoming Daytona Ultimatum thematic auction hosted by Phillips Watches on May 12 this year. All proceeds from the sale of this rare watch, known as “The Unicorn” in the vintage watch collecting community, will be sold for the benefit of Children Action, a foundation dedicated to helping the lives of youth around the world.
The watch is from the collection of John Goldberger, one of the biggest vintage watch collectors around today and the author of many books on the subject. Having presided in one of the world’s finest watch collections for many years, it appears at public auction for the very first time this season.
It is widely believed that Rolex only produced manually-wound Daytonas in stainless steel or in 18k yellow gold, with 14K yellow gold examples delivered to the American market. While the manufacture sometimes created custom dials and special bracelets, it was unfathomable to many that Rolex would ever deviate from its modus operandi.
Yet it is believed that for one lucky customer, Rolex created what scholars believe to be a one-off, Daytona Ref. 6265 cased in white gold. According to Phillips, this watch was manufactured in 1970 and delivered in 1971, made upon special order for a German retailer. At the time of production, it was very likely the rarest, most luxurious and special Cosmograph offered by Rolex.
Considering how hot the market for vintage Rolex Daytona models is right now, in the wake of the historic Paul Newman Daytona’s sale last year, there is understandably bound to be a fair amount of interest around this rare timepiece.
Speaking of the impact of the watch’s sale for Children Action, its founder, Bernard Sabrier said: “By giving most probably the rarest vintage Rolex watch, John Goldberger is not only making a phenomenal philanthropic gesture but he is also contributing to provide a long-term positive difference in the lives of thousands of children. The Foundation is honored to be the recipient of such a tremendous donation.”
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