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Two vintage Rolex watches
Paul Newman
gave to
Stan Barrett,
his stunt double and a race car driver, for setting land speed record in 1979, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s later this year.
One of the two is a stainless steel GMT-Master “Pepsi” Rolex, estimated to be worth between US$50,000 and US$100,000. Newman had the watch’s caseback engraved with the inscription “STAN BARRETT 739 MPH MACH 1.0206 12-17-79,” a gesture from Newman to celebrate Barett’s accomplishment, according to Sotheby’s.
On Dec. 17, 1979, Barrett drove a Budweiser Rocket Car at the top speed of 739.66 mph, becoming the first person to travel faster than the speed of sound on land.
The other is a stainless steel Daytona Rolex, with reference number 6262, which is expected to sell for between US$300,000 and US$500,000.
Stan Barrett wearing the Rolex 6262 Daytona and the Rolex GMT-Master ‘Pepsi’ after the race on December 17, 1979.
Courtesy of Stan Barrett
Barrett, 79, worked as a stunt double or stunt coordinator with many of Hollywood’s actors, including with Newman on the 1980 disaster film When Time Ran Out. He also raced in 19 Winston Cup Series races between 1980 and 1990, posting two top 10 finishes.
His friendship with Newman lasted for 40 years through shared interest in cars, racing, adventure, and mechanical wonders.
Alongside these two watches, Barrett is also offering a yellow gold GMT Rolex, with reference number 1675, for an estimate between US$50,000 and US$100,000.
This watch was given to him by August Busch, then CEO of Anheuser-Busch, the lead sponsor of the 1979 Project Speed of Sound event.
“These three watches—personal gifts between friends and colleagues—carry more historical significance than just their benefactors,”
Jonathon Burford,
a specialist at Sotheby’s, said in a release. “Inextricably linked to a feat of human exploration, they represent a slice of American history itself and will no doubt appeal to watch connoisseurs and racing enthusiasts alike.”
Rolex Reference 1675 GMT-Master
Courtesy of Sotheby’s
The three watches will be auctioned on Dec. 9 at Sotheby’s in New York. A portion of the proceeds will benefit charities focusing on children’s wellbeing, according to Sotheby’s.
Prior to the sale, they will be on public display for the first time in 42 years in Monterey, Calif. from Aug. 17-20 to coincide with RM Sotheby’s annual car auction, followed by a global touring exhibition with stops in Dubai, Hong Kong, Geneva, and Los Angeles.
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