Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1970 Reference No: 6262 Case No: 2'416'746 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "357" and "7835 19", max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
At Rolex, 1970 was marked by the launch of two Cosmograph references; the 6262 with the silver bezel and the 6264 with an acrylic bezel. Very similar to the previous generation, these two references were considered as a transitional reference and were fitted with the upgraded caliber 727 and featured pump pushers. The production of the reference ceased around 1972, making way for two new references with upgraded screw-down pushers, ref. 6263 & 6265
In addition to the rarity of this reference, the present Daytona is further highlighted by the now blue faded Daytona signature. A defect in the pigment has turned the signature, which was originally in white, to an attractive and subtle light blue shade.
The watch is further enhanced with its attractive overall condition.
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.
