Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1983
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 7'627'448
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, end links stamped 574, max. length 210mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex guarantee from Wempe Hamburg, Official Chronometer Certification and hangtags
    Literature: For a similar example see Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 448-451

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph - reference 6240. These models were fitted with the Oyster chronograph pushers ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters and the reference 6263 also featured a bezel with black acrylic insert featuring a tachometer scale printed in white.

    In production for almost 20 years, references 6263 and 6265 were offered in either stainless steel or gold.

    The present reference 6263 is categorized amongst collectors as the "Big Red", distinguished by its large red ‘DAYTONA’ signature above the 6 o’clock register. This watch is rarely seen on a stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet enhancing the sporty chic aesthetic it is famous for. The silvered dial is in superb condition, with fully luminous hour markers along the outer ring, all of which are present and intact. Additionally, the flawless soleil-finished dial glistens brilliantly against its contrasting black subsidiary dials.

    The present lot is an especially desirable example of a reference 6263. It is in overall pristine condition with its case retaining very good definition to all angles, indicative of careful and infrequent wear over its 30 year lifespan, and comes accompanied by an original Rolex guarantee, Official Chronometer certification and hangtags.

    This superb timepiece is fit for everyday wear from the office to any black tie gala.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. 6263
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silver dial, bracelet, guarantee, Official Chronometer Certification and hangtags

Circa 1983
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€27,800-46,300
$29,700-49,500

Sold for CHF75,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017