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98

Rolex

Ref. 6263

Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”

A well-preserved and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee, and presentation box

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000
$114,300
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
1982
Reference No
6263
Case No
7’426’098
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 78350 19, end links stamped 571, overall max length 205mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 78350 and H
Dimensions
37.5 mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated April 4, 1986, and stamped Juwelier Winnebeck, green leather presentation box, product literature, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Rolex’s reference 6263 is one of the most iconic and sought-after Daytona Cosmograph watches available. The large case, acrylic bezel, and screw-down pushers give the chronograph a modern and appealing aesthetic that charms both men and women. Introduced in 1969 as the upgraded version of the earlier reference 6240, the new model housed the caliber 727 and featured screw-down pushers for enhanced water resistance. Along with the reference 6265, the stainless steel bezel version of the watch, the two sit proudly in the pantheon of Rolex chronograph history. In fact, Rolex’s modern reference 116500LN was directly inspired by these vintage “Big Red” Daytona models.

The present watch is in lovely original condition and has a sporty appeal with its multi-colored dial with black matte background, off-white subsidiary dials, and red “Daytona” signature at six o’clock. The allure of the watch is enhanced by the correct black acrylic bezel, original pushers, and Oyster bracelet, and its overall completeness, accompanied by its original dated guarantee and presentation box. Certain Rolex models will standout more than others, and the Daytona is certainly an important watch for collectors today. This fine reference 6263 is an outstanding and extremely well-preserved example that will surely please any savvy connoisseur.

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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