As the autumn watch auction season revs up 🏎️, Sotheby’s will present the Rolex Daytona 6239 ‘Paul Newman’ of racing legend Jim Russell in the London Watches sale on 24 September. A successful driver, Jim Russell (1920-2019) founded the legendary Jim Russell Racing Driver School in 1956 and in the decades that followed, tutored the likes of Emerson Fittapaldi, Jacques Villeneuve, Jan Magnussen, Jenson Button and Lance Stroll. Dating from circa 1968 and estimated at £60,000 - 90,000, this prime example of the hottest vintage Rolex on the market was worn for over 50 years by the racing driver and instructor. It would have assisted him in the crucial task of calculating lap times with the highest precision, with the calibre Valjoux 72 and the very legible Paul Newman dial making this timepiece the perfect racing companion. Father of the Daytona dynasty, the reference 6239 was introduced just over 55 years ago, with its popularity standing the test of time. The sporty spirit of this ti...