Watch Paparazzi

Singer Adam Levine spotted wearing Rolex

At Byron Allen's 4th Annual Oscar Gala, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine stepped onto the red carpet wearing what may be the single most conversation-worthy wrist in the room: a vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6241 in 14K yellow gold, fitted with an Exotic Paul Newman dial in the colorway collectors have long nicknamed the 'John Player Special.'

The reference 6241 was produced by Rolex between approximately 1965 and 1969, distinguishing itself from its siblings primarily through its use of a pump-style pushers design and a serrated bezel insert. In 14K gold, the ref. 6241 was a rare factory configuration from the outset. The 'Exotic' or 'Paul Newman' dial designation refers to the distinctive Art Deco-style sub-dial printing with square markers and a contrasting chapter ring — a feature that was commercially unpopular at launch but has since become the most prized dial variant in vintage Rolex collecting. The 'John Player Special' nickname derives from the striking black-and-gold color combination, directly evoking the iconic livery of the Lotus Formula 1 cars sponsored by John Player Special cigarettes during the 1970s.

From a collector standpoint, the 14K yellow gold ref. 6241 with an Exotic dial occupies a near-mythological status. Gold-cased Paul Newman Daytonas were produced in extremely limited numbers, and finding one with a fully original, unrestored exotic dial in strong condition borders on the exceptional. A Christie's sale on December 6, 2018 placed the hammer at $552,500 for a comparable example — a figure that underscores just how seriously the market values this reference. Ellen DeGeneres is among the handful of prominent owners publicly associated with this specific variant.

Levine is no casual watch enthusiast. Over the years he has surfaced wearing significant vintage Rolexes, Patek Philippes, and other serious references, demonstrating a collector's sensibility rather than a stylist's brief. Choosing to wear a piece of this historical and financial magnitude to a high-visibility Hollywood event speaks to genuine affection for the object itself.

On the current market, authentic examples of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6241 in gold with an Exotic Paul Newman dial command prices well into the six figures, with the finest specimens routinely exceeding $500,000 at major auction houses. This is not a watch that is bought — it is hunted.