Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 6265, inside caseback stamped with repeated case number 4'018'051, case back exterior stamped 149
    Case No: 4'018'051
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Fuerza Aérea del Perú"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7835 19, end links stamped 371, max length 180mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outside case back further stamped 149
    Accessories: Accompanied with a scan of the FAP General's identity card, and shipping documentation from Peru

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex produced watches with “Fuerza Aérea del Perú” engraved on the case back for the Peruvian Air Force. Like other “issued’ Rolex watches, the case serial number was engraved both between the lugs, and inside case back. This exceptional military timepiece is enhanced by the rare “sigma” dial, with the Greek sigma designation flanking the “T SWISS T” signifying the use of white gold hour markers and hands.

    Launched in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 replaced the first Oyster Cosmograph model, reference 6240. From the original owner, this chronograph is equipped with the correct Mark II pushers featuring ridges that are wider and more triangular than those found on Rolex’s earliest Daytona pushers.

    In exceptional condition, the dial is nicely aged with luminous markers, which are intact and have turned a lovely cream color, while the hour and minute hands show similar aging. The case has in our view never been polished, retaining its original satin finish, with sharp bevels and edges throughout. Even the FAP engravings on the caseback retain the original black enamel within each letter. Furthermore, the caseback’s small, engraved issue number “149” is perfectly crisp – a hardly ever seen detail that illustrates its superb condition. The Daytona ref. 6265 is a sought after sports watch with its sportier metal bezel, and this military-issued example is sure to please the discerning connoisseur both for its condition and rarity.

  • 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. 6265, inside caseback stamped with repeated case number 4'018'051, case back exterior stamped 149
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black sigma dial and bracelet, made for the Peruvian Air Force

1974
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outside case back further stamped 149

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€46,300-92,600
$49,500-99,100

Sold for CHF93,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017