With a career spanning nearly half a century, Paul Newman has starred in some truly memorable films including Cool Hand Luke and The Hustler. The late actor left a lasting impression with his work and continues to be celebrated as one of the finest talents in the industry.
And the finest star also had some of the finest possessions, whose worth could easily eclipse that of the biggest Hollywood stars. One such exclusive thing in the late actor’s collection included a Rolex Daytona, which has been reported to be more valuable than the earnings of some Avengers: Endgame cast members.
Paul Newman’s Exclusive Rolex Daytona Watch is Worth Over $20 Million
The iconic Hollywood star who passed away at 83 after battling lung cancer for months, Paul Newman had interests that extended far beyond acting. In addition to his illustrious acting career, he ventured into filmmaking, motorsport, and even the organic food business.
Newman also had a remarkable collection of exclusive timepieces, including a Rolex Daytona, gifted to him by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. The watch features a lemon grené dial and is considered an exceptionally beautiful example of its kind.
Considered the holy grail among watch collectors, the exclusive Rolex made headlines when it was auctioned in 2017. While it was expected to sell for around $1 million, the 1968 watch shattered expectations, fetching $17.5 million, becoming one of the most expensive wristwatches ever sold at auction.
As per Watch Pilot, the cost of the watch now has been estimated to be $20.4 million, surpassing the salaries of some of the biggest Marvel stars for their roles in Avengers: Endgame. According to reports, actors like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner received $15 million for the 2019 MCU blockbuster.
Paul Rudd, who plays Ant-Man, reportedly received $8 million, and Tom Holland is reported to have earned $3 million, while Chris Pratt and Brie Larson, reportedly made more than $5 million each for their brief appearance in Endgame.
Paul Newman’s Iconic Rolex Watches Fetch Millions at Auctions
The Hollywood star, who once delighted the audience with his on-screen presence, continues to captivate fans and watch collectors alike with his exceptional Rolex collection, consistently fetching millions at auctions.
In June 2023, Paul Newman’s Rolex ‘Zenith’ Daytona, which was awarded to him when his racing team won at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995, was auctioned at Sotheby’s along with Paul Newman’s white-gold Daytona.
The latter, also a gift from his wife Joanne Woodward in 2006, was reportedly the last watch Newman owned before his passing in 2008. As per GQ, both fetched millions at the 2023 Sotheby’s auction.
Another prized possession from the late actor’s collection, the ‘Big Red’ Daytona, named for the prominent crimson text adorning the dial, reached $5.5 million during its 2020 auction.
With his discerning taste for some of the most coveted timepieces, Newman has become an icon in watch history.
