Jean-Pierre Jabouille made Formula One history when he won the French Grand Prix in 1979 in a turbocharged car, an accomplishment that undoubtedly paved the way for the future of the sport. Now, for the first time, a part of that history is up for purchase
Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
Phillips Auction House in New York has announced the sale of a historic Rolex Cosmograph “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6265, which auto manufacturer Renault gifted Jean-Pierre Jabouille upon his triumphant win at the French Grand Prix in 1979. The Rolex was a celebration of both the company's first-ever win in the sport, as well as the first-ever win for a French car and racing team. To highlight the weight of such an accomplishment, Renault engraved an emotional dedication on the watch’s caseback, which read: “DIE TO DRIVE – RENAULT F1 – J.P.J. 79”.
The watch was cherished by Jabouille until his death in 2023, and it has remained in the Jabouille family ever since. It will be offered in The New York Watch Auction: XII on the 7th and 8th June and is expected to reach between $50,000 and $100,000. Accompanying the watch is a hand-written note from Jabouille’s son, Victor, who recently had the opportunity to drive the Circuit Paul Richard in his father’s Renault RS10, the car Jabouille drove in the French Grand Prix all the way back in 1979.
The watch offered by Phillips is far more than a mere timepiece; it is a symbol of Jabouille’s trailblazing spirit. In his letter, Victor Jabouille writes, "I remember vividly the day he told me the story of this watch. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about daring to believe in something revolutionary, about refusing to accept the limits. That spirit, ‘Die to Drive’, is engraved on the case, but it’s also engraved in our family’s legacy.”
The manual-winding Daytona reference 6265 was launched in the late 1960s and ceased production in 1987. This version has a robust Oyster case that’s dated to 1972 and is fitted with its original and extremely desirable ‘millerighe’ mark I pushers. Indeed, it is a highly sought after timepiece for its incredible technical prowess, but the ultimate draw is its emotional and historical significance. A cherished trophy for Jean-Pierre Jabouille and his family, this historic Daytona will now serve as the ultimate award for the discerning watch collector.
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