30th October 2026 – (Hong Kong) Edison Chen has disclosed that a prized Rolex disappeared during his abrupt relocation to the United States in 2008, saying the watch — a highly uncommon Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 “Cartier Paul Newman” in 18‑carat gold reportedly once owned by British guitarist Eric Clapton — has not been seen since. Chen, long known for his enthusiasm for fashion and accessories, said he does not collect watches methodically and has even been casual with pieces such as a green‑bezel Rolex Submariner, sometimes leaving them wherever they happen to be.
Chen recalled first encountering the Daytona in 2004 after encouragement from Japanese tastemaker Hiroshi Fujiwara. Sifting through a stack of reference cards, he immediately picked out the model that later became his most treasured piece. On learning of its provenance, he was further captivated, and he subsequently wore the watch at publicity events for the film Initial D, giving the timepiece a measure of public visibility during that period.
The actor said the watch vanished during the upheaval surrounding his career crisis in 2008, when he left Hong Kong in haste and settled in the United States. In the confusion of packing and departure, the Daytona went missing and, despite intermittent efforts, has never been recovered. He holds out a faint hope that the piece may yet turn up in a storage facility in Hong Kong, but admits he has not had the time to return and search thoroughly.
Collectors regard the model as one of the most coveted vintage Daytonas. Market observers suggest that a standard Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 with a “Cartier Paul Newman” dial often commands around HK$5 million to HK$8 million, while a specimen in 18‑carat gold with notable provenance could conservatively exceed HK$10 million.