NASA Engineer's Rolex 'Paul Newman' Daytona Sells for $200,000 at Heritage Auctions
On September 16, a Rolex "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona, previously owned by NASA engineer Oran W. Nicks, fetched $200,000 at Heritage's Watches & Fine Timepieces Signature Auction, contributing to a total of $3,683,964. This Important & Rare Ref. 6239 "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona, dating back to 1969, was presented by Nicks' son and was newly available to collectors. It topped an auction filled with exceptional luxury watches from renowned brands. The Rolex Ref. 6239 boasted a remarkable history. Nicks (1925-98), a prominent aerospace engineer, joined NASA in 1960 and served as Director of Lunar and Planetary Programs, managing early American explorations to the Moon, Mars, and Venus, including missions like Ranger and Surveyor.
Key facts
- A Rolex "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona owned by NASA engineer Oran W. Nicks sold for $200,000 on September 16.
- The sale was part of Heritage's Watches & Fine Timepieces Signature Auction, which totaled $3,683,964.
- The watch was an Important & Rare Ref. 6239 "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona, Circa 1969.
- It was offered by Nicks' son and was fresh to the collector market.
- The Rolex Ref. 6239 was the top result in an auction filled with rare luxury watches and collectible timepieces from many of the world's most celebrated manufacturers.
- The $200,000 Rolex Ref. 6239 carried impeccable provenance.
- Oran W. Nicks (1925-98) joined NASA in 1960 and became Director of Lunar and Planetary Programs.
- Nicks oversaw early American missions to the Moon, Mars and Venus, including Ranger, Surveyor, Lunar Orbiter and Mariner.
Entities
Artists
- Oran W. Nicks
Institutions
- NASA
- Heritage Auctions
- Texas A&M University
Locations
- United States