Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1982
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 7'426'154
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, ca. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "571" and "78350 19" to the end links, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "H" and "78350"
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by unnumbered Rolex Guarantee, sale tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6263 can be arguably considered the most iconic of the manually-wound Daytona models. Launched in the early 1970s and in production until 1987, it is defined by the screw pushers and the bezel with black acrylic insert. Such configuration has proven so timeless that the new Daytona model released in 2017 amply borrows its case/bezel design indeed from ref. 6263.

    The present specimen is defined by its “Big Red” dial. The final evolution of the manual Daytona dial, it is found on the last specimen of reference 6263 (and its metal-bezel brethren 6265) and is characterized by a very prominent Daytona designation above the 6 o’ clock subsidiary dial in bright red ink.

    The present specimen is blessed with what can be considered a virtually flawless dial, and the condition of the case perfectly match that of the face: extremely sharp and well preserved with only minor signs of wear.

  • 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 fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, unnumbered guarantee and box

Circa 1982
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€35,600-71,300
$40,300-80,600

Sold for CHF106,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019