As one of the most famous (and popular) chronographs, the Daytona “Paul Newman” is etched within every watch collector’s psyche. This example is a modern take on that classic and is truly unique. A Daytona 116520 has been customised by Bamford Watch Department. It was a gift to the famous vintage racing driver and car dealer Adrian Hamilton – hence his initials A.J.H. in the centre of the dial. We have been asked to help with the sale by the Hamilton family.

Bamford Watch Department is the biggest and most famous of all the companies that offer unique luxury watch customizations. From their London headquarters, they offer a full in-house service facility where their customizations produce one-of-a-kind watches. Their mission: “If you can imagine it, we can create it.”

The Bamford Heritage Daytona starts life as a new Rolex, powered by the ever-strong Rolex 4130 movement and features running seconds at the six o’clock position as well as two additional sub dials to display the chronograph minutes and hours at three and nine o’clock, respectively. Finished in Bamford’s signature light grey military-grade titanium coating (MGTC), the Heritage Daytona certainly stands out.

Its dial has been modified from its original configuration to pay tribute to the hugely desirable Reference 6263. That model’s art deco–style dial (referred to at the time as the “exotic” dial, which subsequently came to be known as the “Paul Newman”) is arguably the best-looking Daytona ever.

This Daytona does not have the standard crown guards seen on a standard 116520, to emulate the vintage look, and its traditional stainless-steel bezel has been replaced with BWD’s own custom-made 200uph tachymetric bezel. This throwback to past models is just one of many details that give Bamford Watch Department a significant upper hand over lesser brands trying to compete in the watch customization realm.

The watch, dating from 2017, comes with its BWD Heritage box and guarantee cards. The case, bracelet show only very light signs of wear.

So, if you would like to own and wear a unique timepiece, with the added link to one of the classic car world’s most famous personalities – this is indeed a unique opportunity.

A wonderful obituary of Adrian Hamilton can be seen at Motor Sport Magazine’s website.

PLEASE NOTE: This watch is a customised watch with aftermarket dial, bezel, etc.  As such it WILL NOT be serviced by Rolex Watches, or any of their Authorised Dealers. Bamford Watches and/or independent watch-smiths will be happy to help!