Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1971 Reference No: 6265 Case No: 3'048'142 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, reference 7835 19, end links stamped 271, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box and original guarantee dated October 25, 1973
Catalogue Essay
In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph– reference 6240. The Cosmograph Daytona with screw-down pushers was in production for almost 20 years and was offered with both acrylic or metal bezel in either stainless steel or gold case.
From 1971, the dial correctly displays the “T Swiss T” designation at 6 o’clock to mention the use of tritium as luminous material for the indexes. In addition, a Greek symbol called Sigma surrounds the Ts denoting that the markers are in gold. In the late 60s, a group of Swiss watchmakers who were members of APRIOR (Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l’Or) formed an official initiative with the goal to formalize the standards for the use of gold in watches by watchmakers – especially on steel watches since stainless steel and white gold are similar in colour. According to a US Patent Office Registration Certificate, the Sigma mark certifies that the goods are of Swiss origin and contain solid gold up to a certain standard as established by the Swiss statutory requirements which include the control of the use of gold, the specification of standards and quality that had to be met. This symbol was in used from 1970 for approximately five years before it was abandoned.
The present reference 6265 from 1971 is presented at auction as a full set; the watch is accompanied by its original box with outer packaging, the original guarantee dated October 25, 1973 and stamped by the Madrid based retailer Vendrell Joyero. The combination of silver dial and stainless steel bracelet give it a stealth appeal that makes it the perfect watch for any occasion.
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.