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Rolex

Ref. 6263

Oyster Cosmograph "Big Eyes"

A very attractive and highly rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with oversized “Big Eye” registers and bracelet

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In 1969, Rolex introduced references 6263 and 6265, succeeding the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. Both models featured screw-down Oyster chronograph pushers, improving water resistance to 50 meters. Notably, the 6263 came equipped with a black acrylic bezel insert with a white tachymeter scale—a signature detail that enhanced both function and design.

These references remained in production for nearly two decades and were available in stainless steel or gold, offering versatility to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

What sets the present reference 6263 apart are several subtle but important features. Most striking is the dial, likely part of a series of experimental or test dials, with sub-registers that are visibly larger than usual. This rare and collectible variation has earned the nickname “Big Eye” among Daytona collectors. This is especially visible as the "T Swiss T" signature is much closer to the bottom subsidiary register than normal examples.

Another distinguishing detail is the lower placement of the “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” text on the dial. Combined with its sharp condition and distinctive appearance, this timepiece is a standout example sure to appeal to discerning collectors.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905

Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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