Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1974 Reference No: 6263, stamped 6265 inside the case back Case No: 4'137'783 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph, Sigma Dial Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78350 19, end links stamped 571, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: For another reference 6263 please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona, by Pucci Papaleo, pages 380 to 383
Catalogue Essay
Rolex introduced the references 6263 and 6265 in 1969 as the successors to the first Oyster Cosmograph, the reference 6240. These upgraded tool watches came with new screw down pushers, an upgraded crown and movement - the caliber 727, and offered enhanced water resistance to 50 meters.
This fresh-to-the-market example from the mid 1970s is fitted with its original MK2 pushers, and is a lovely and attractive vintage Daytona coming directly from the original owner. Lovingly cared for over the course of its 43-year life, the case displays a lovely finish. In addition to its excellent state of preservation, its rarity is further enhanced by the desirable ‘Sigma’ dial, which has the Sigma marks flanking the “T SWISS T” at 6 o’clock, designating the use of gold for the hour markers and hands. The black matte dial is beautiful, with original luminous dots along the outer ring, all of which are present and intact.
Manufactured over 40 years ago, this fine example of the iconic Oyster Cosmograph Daytona will make a wonderful addition to a collection of rare timepieces.
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.