Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1974 Reference No: 6265 Case No: 3'976'490 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Sigma Dial" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Stainless generic buckle Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph - Model 6240. The Cosmograph Daytona with screw-down pushers was in production for almost 20 years and was offered in either stainless steel or gold.
The present reference 6265 displays a "Sigma" dial which is correct for the serial number, and is distinguished by its impressive state of preservation. The edges are incredibly crisp and sharp to the touch. Furthermore, the watch retains its original pushers, which is a particularly sought after detail. The dial is also preserved in excellent condition with barely any signs of aging.
It is incredible how 50 years after its original launch, the manual wind Rolex Cosmograph Daytona still retains modernity, with its design codes perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the late 1960s and remaining ever relevant today.
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.