“Paul”

“Of all the 6241s made, only a very limited number were fitted with an exotic dial, later known as the “Paul Newman,” named after the American actor, director, and race car driver who famously wore such examples throughout his life. Though the differences between standard and exotic dials come down to variations in typeface and subtle uses of color, the resulting effect is striking. These highly prized exotic dials were available in black with white subdials and white with black subdials. They featured a stepped outer track and sunken subsidiary dials, accented by Art Deco-inspired square indexes. When preserved as faithfully as the present example, the effect is nothing short of extraordinary and perfectly illustrates why Rolex enjoys its esteemed reputation today.”

- Sotheby’s, read more.

[Continued from “Ref. 1463”] After exposure the paper is developed, and the lighter tones appear as though through the clearing of fog, leaving behind a nearly complete print, albeit one with the yellow hue of the emulsion itself instead of cotton white. From here the paper is cleaned to remove the latent emulsion in a series of baths, followed by a long fresh water rinse and air drying overnight.

Once dry, the print is notated and signed, and is then ready to spend several lifetimes in the care of its new owners. With a richness of tone and exceptional longevity, one of these special prints will keep the memory of these special timepieces front of mind when viewed, regardless of whether the watch is on or off the wrist.

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