Why Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona Sold for $17.8 Million

Paul Newman owned a special Rolex watch connected to his love of racing.

His wife, Joanne Woodward, gave it to him around 1968.

The back was engraved with the words “Drive Carefully Me.”

Newman actually wore the watch for many years instead of keeping it hidden.

It had a distinctive dial that collectors later came to prize.

After disappearing from public view, the watch was given to James Cox.

Cox eventually sold it at a 2017 auction in New York.

It fetched US$17.7525 million, including the buyer’s fee.

People valued it mainly because of its story, rarity and connection to Newman, not because it was made of expensive materials.