Wristwatches

Short answer, it was already a relatively expensive watch, then add the Paul Newman connection and you've got a really expensive watch. Paul Newman's own watch sold in 2017 for $17.75 million, the most expensive wristwatch ever sold. Average vintage Daytona's range from $100,000 to as much as $600,000 depending on age, condition, etc. A current Daytona in Platinum is around $70,000 and the sky's the limit when you start adding jewels.

THE HISTORY OF THE ROLEX DAYTONA MODEL

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The history of the Rolex Daytona is an interesting one in which this watch developed along parallel lines to the Submariner. Both watches were originally designed for “working men” and served a particular function as timepieces. While the Submariner was specifically built to withstand the pressure of underwater diving, the Daytona, named for the famous racetrack in Florida, was built strictly as a timekeeper of the millisecond variety.

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THE ROLEX DAYTONA WATCH HAS SEEN THREE SEPARATE SERIES
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Series one. The original Cosmograph Daytona has lived through three separate series. The original series was produced in very small quantities, beginning in 1963 and lasting through the 1980s. These watches have a four-digit model number and feature a manual-wind movement.

Series two. Because of the demand of the iconic first Daytona series, a second series was introduced in 1988, with automatic winding. These watches feature a five-digit number and were produced up until 2000.

Series three. In 2000, Rolex began producing a third Daytona series, equipped with a movement made in-house and a six-digit model number. These watches are self-winding and have chronograph functions.

Although Daytonas continue to be relatively abundant, the rarest and most sought-after of these watches continue to be the “Paul Newman” variety, a version of the Daytona made famous by the actor of the same name.

THE PAUL NEWMAN DAYTONA HOMAGE
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Not all Daytona watches are of the Paul Newman variety. These watches have a specific dial that includes distinguishing features that separate it from the other varieties of this watch. However, these specific details may be so subtle that it is easy for the untrained eye to miss them.

First thing to know, Paul Newman Daytona is a sports watch and can only have the reference number 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 or 6265. These numbers must be featured in order for the Rolex to be authenticated. Furthermore, all of the Paul Newman Daytona references have domed crystals made of acrylic. Sub-dials include block markers rather than lines and each sub-dial center has crosshairs placed on it. The seconds sub-dial is marked at 15, 30, 45 and 60. On other Daytona watches, these markings exist at 20, 40 and 60.

A true Paul Newman Daytona comes in one of four colors for the dial and specific combinations of layout of dial features. These colored dial versions exist on the models 6239, 6241, 6263, 6264 and 6265. No replacement version exists for this watch.



INTERACTIVE GRAPH OF PAUL NEWMAN DAYTONA AUCTION PRICES
Individual models can be toggled on or off within the graph by clicking on the model numbers on the right side of the graph.

DESCRIPTIONS AND HISTORICAL PRICES OF ROLEX DAYTONA PAUL NEWMAN FOR SALE
ROLEX DAYTONA PAUL NEWMAN REFERENCE 6239
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This is the one that started them all; the actual model worn by Paul Newman, until he passed. It is the most common and least expensive of the “Paul Newman Daytona’s”. The 6239 features a 300 units-per-hour, stainless steel bezel; pump pushers for the chronometer, and a Valjoux 722, 17 jewels, 18,000 beats-per-hour movement. Like the modern Daytona, it was available in both white and black dials. The dials were a three color dial, consisting of black, white, and red, and featuring the word "Daytona" written above the register at the 6 o'clock position. This was the first Daytona model to move the tachymeter scale off the dial and on to the bezel. Production on the 6239 models began in mid 1963.

Wow! I do rememebr Paul wearing a watch, it was light colored but don't know if it was this one. I REALLY shoudda knicked it
 
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Okay, it's not a watch, but it's a clock that looks like one! I really like this offering from Bulova, which is a neat little travel alarm clock that looks like a dive watch.

With a black dial and bright bold blue bezel, this unique travel alarm clock has luminescent hands and markers as well as a functioning bezel to keep track of elapsed time.
  • Metal case, glass lens
  • Compact design
  • Quartz movement
  • Electronic alarm
  • Inside bezel ring adjusts to set for elapsed time measurement
  • Luminescent hands and hour markers
  • Battery included, LR44
  • Travel pouch included
  • 2.5 inches wide x 2.35 inches high (open) x .7 inches deep
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i ike this! The 1 review said it's ahrd to see the dial at night but i love the looks
 
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(Continued)




Timex Expedition Military Field Watch

The Timex Expedition watches are an excellent choice when considering military style watches on a budget. The clean looks, high legibility, Indiglo nightlight, quick-date feature, and reliable quartz movement result in a timepiece that looks like they cost way more than they do. The stainless steel case is slim and comfortable and the 42mm face wears well on any sized wrist. The indices are labeled with minute markers, allowing the wearer to quickly see how much time has elapsed. At under $40, this watch is a no-brainer to add to your collection.



Seiko 5 Automatic Field Watch

The Seiko 5 line was introduced in the 1960’s for having 5 distinct features, all provided at a value. Each watch in the 5 lineup has an automatic movement, water resistance, day-date display, an unbreakable mainspring and a shock-resistant design. These features result in a handsomely styled military watch that will stand up to EDC use and abuse without breaking the bank. The SNK809 measures in at 37mm — ideal for those who want to wear a watch but not be burdened by something huge on their wrist.



Timex Expedition Scout Watch

Another affordable military watch from Timex, the Expedition Scout packs many of the same features as the Military Field but in a different design. The black face and brushed gunmetal case result in a more understated look. The Dark green canvas band is high quality and comfortable. You still get Indiglo nightlight, a date wheel, and large, easy to read indices all for around 40 bucks. The seconds hand is a bright yellow arrow, not only does this increase legibility, but it adds a needed pop of color to the dial.



Citizen Eco Drive Military Watch

Blending both the Field and Flieger style watches into one package, the Citizen BM8180-03achieves a distinct military look. Sporting a mineral glass crystal and stainless steel case for durability, the watch can stand up to daily wear. Better yet, its Eco-Drive charging feature makes for low maintenance upkeep as you won’t have to change its battery. For extra utility, the timepiece is waterproof to 100M — meaning you can shower and swim without taking the watch off. The day-date display, large luminous hands, and hour/minute indices are easy to read at a glance. (Editor's note: Since the time of publishing, the price of this watch may have increased slightly above the $100 mark.)



Parnis Flieger Hand Wound Pilot Watch

This Flieger watch from Parnis is a classically designed pilot watch that has a substantial wrist presence. When legibility is key, the 44mm face and large numerals will come in handy. Featuring a hand-wound movement and a large onion-style crown, this watch is a mechanical masterpiece. The Tianjin Seagull movement is visible through the clear caseback, allowing the wearer to witness the gears in motion. The 22mm dark brown leather strap adds to the vintage aesthetic. At only $85, this watch is a great deal — especially given how much it looks like its more expensive counterparts.



Casio G-Shock GA100SD Digital Watch

Breaking away from the classically styled military watches, the GA100SD from Casio represents a more modern take on a military watch. Although several branches of the US Military have stopped issuing timepieces, the watch of choice for many servicemen are made G-Shocks. Sporting ultra tough shock resistance, an auto-on LED backlight, world time, a precise stopwatch, countdown timer, and 200M of water resistance, the GA100SD is packed with features. The sand colored exterior is perfectly suited to match dessert camouflage but is right at home for casual civilian wear as well. One battery will keep the watch going for approximately 2 years.

Ed Jelly

I've owned and worn many Timex epeditions and Casio g-shock watches.....each depending on the purpose at hand.... I prefer the expedition and it is still my go to watch when I do wear one.......both good watches.
 
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I've owned and worn many Timex epeditions and Casio g-shock watches.....each depending on the purpose at hand.... I prefer the expedition and it is still my go to watch when I do wear one.......both good watches.
Yes, both good. I've had the G-Shocks and the Casio Pro Trek also. When working/working out they are tough and you don't mind beating them up a bit like you would a more expensive watch.
 
Yes, both good. I've had the G-Shocks and the Casio Pro Trek also. When working/working out they are tough and you don't mind beating them up a bit like you would a more expensive watch.

Exactly......although I must say, I don't do expensive or style...lol..... I'm pretty much t-shirts and jeans only..i keep it really practical except on certain things.
 
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Exactly......although I must say, I don't do expensive or style...lol..... I'm pretty much t-shirts and jeans only..i keep it really practical except on certain things.
That's why I like my dive watches. Even if they are "nicer", they are still a casual watch and not a dress watch. My watch collection definitely leans toward casual, not dressy.
 
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Anyone have experience with watches made by Stauer? They aren't expensive watches (most around $100), but there are at least a few I'd consider buying. I see their ads frequently in various military and aviation magazines I subscribe to, but I don't ever remember seeing their watches in any retail outlet. Kinda goes against my grain to buy something I can't look at personally, especially since the validity/pedigree of internet "consumer ratings" are questionable.
 
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Guess they are like everything else, damned by some on that site but praised by others. I did like the bit about them being "gift watches"; sounds like they created a niche, then filled it. I have no illusion what one gets in a $50-$100 watch, but still might take a chance on one of them when my back-up Casio dies. I wear my Eco-Drive at least 95% of the time I wear a watch, but go to the back-up if working outside or traveling to sketchy parts of the world.

Thanks Roy.