The “Oyster Sotto”

The "Oyster Sotto" Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 is the first Daytona in our list of the most expensive Rolex watches. The Rolex Paul Newman Ref. 6263 is still the king of the auction block, with one on offer for exorbitant amounts at almost every sale. The Paul Newman "tropical" dial on this stainless-steel chronograph from 1969 is exceptionally unusual. It features a very unusual outer red 1/5 seconds division track, making it quite desirable. Art-deco style Arabic numerals and squared markings on the subdials are also typical "Paul Newman" dial features.

This timepiece, with its vintage-looking dark brown dial, is one of just two that bear the moniker "Oyster Sotto." "Oyster below" is the Italian translation. This is because the words "Oyster" appear beneath "Cosmograph" on the dial. Furthermore, the screw-down pushers on these two Oyster-cased Daytonas make them the first Paul Newman-style dials to have greater water resistance. Phillips sold the "Oyster Sotto" Cosmograph Daytona for 1.985 million Swiss francs in 2016.

Price: 1.985 million Swiss francs