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Phillips just sold Paul Newman’s ‘Paul Newman’ for $17.8m

The watch that’s been on the tips of everyone’s tongues and the forefront of everyone’s minds since Phillips first announced its sale in June — Paul Newman’s ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona — has just been sold in New York for a World Record price of $17.8m…

Moment in time

What can be said about the watch that hasn’t been said before? The story of how Paul Newman himself gifted the watch to his daughter’s boyfriend, who kept it for over 30 years, even after the two broke up, has now become famous — and it no doubt had an effect on the $17.8m hammer price, making it the most expensive wristwatch sold at auction. The iconic watch spurred on a 12-minute bidding war during Phillips’ Winning Icons – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century sale and eventually found a home with a determined phone bidder. And while the boyfriend never got the opportunity to officially join King Cool’s family, the 30-plus years of fond memories with the watch, not to mention the $17.8m payout, is sure to be a satisfactory consolation prize.

Photos: Rob Cooper for Classic Driver © 2017

You can find the catalogues for Phillips’ next watch auctions listed here