Sotheby’s/AP
The Rolex Tom Brady wore last Sunday and him share a lot of similarities. Both rarities have outperformed the typical with astounding accuracy and magnificent style. They each have a sizable following.
The Paul Newman Daytona in question was worn by the retired NFL legend as he was honored by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. During an emotional halftime ceremony, the star quarterback—who played for the Patriots for two decades—joined longtime team owner Robert Kraft at the podium. The 65,000 yelling Patriots supporters were thanked by Brady for “another day in this stadium that I will never forget.” With the Rolex on his wrist, he completed his renowned sideline sprint as well.
The striking dial on this particular Daytona, reference 6241, has been dubbed the “John Player Special” in honor of British company John Player & Sons. During the 1970s, the Nottingham-based tobacco and cigarette manufacturer known simply as Player’s sponsored the Lotus Formula One team and gave the cars an iconic livery. The dial features three chronograph subdials with square lollipop hash marks, as well as the same black and gold colors as the automobiles. It appears that Brady’s case is fastened to a matching gold jubilee bracelet.
Brady (left) and Patriots owner Robert Kraft (right) with Brady’s son and daughter.AAP Mark StockwellA seven-time Super Bowl champion certainly deserves the John Player Special. The model is extremely uncommon and frequently sells for a hefty price on the secondary market. A comparable example fetched a record $1.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2020.The most uncommon gold version of the legendary Paul Newman’s watch is an 18-karat yellow-gold 6264, according to Sam Hines, global head of watches for Sotheby’s. It is difficult to overstate the fascination it inspires among vintage watch collectors given that only a small number are known to exist.
The “John Player Special” sold at Sotheby’s for $1.5 million.Thanks to Sotheby’sBrady’s collection of Rolexes obviously includes additional pieces. The GOAT has already been photographed wearing a platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 and a Rolex “Jigsaw” Day-Date this year. He has been an IWC ambassador since 2019, but he may want to think about representing the Crown formally.