Rolex - Daytona Ultimatum Geneva Friday, May 11, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1973
    Reference No: 6263" The Staccato"
    Movement No: 1501
    Case No: 3'609'170
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal.727, 17jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 14K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max. length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 14K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.71
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: For a comparable example however reference 6265, please consult Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 468 to 471.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6263 was introduced to the market in approximately 1969 and produced until 1987. While the model was mainly cased in stainless steel, limited numbers were also dressed in 18K or 14K yellow gold. This watch is particularly rare due to its 14K yellow gold case and bracelet, which were reserved for watches delivered to the American market.

    Starting from the early 1970s, Rolex began to power its gold Oyster Cosmograph watches with chronometer certified movements. Whilst earlier dials displayed “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” only, later models featured a different layout that referenced the “COSC” movement.

    One of the rarest variants, this dial displays “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” floating beneath “Rolex Oyster”, giving way to its name ‘Oyster-split’. Most importantly, the ‘Oyster’ script appears smaller than ever seen before.

    Furthermore, gold chronographs were eventually assigned movement numbers, which were engraved on the plate behind the balance wheel. Research shows that this was related to the officially certified chronometer movement. The exceptional condition of this watch combined with its rare features makes it a must have trophy watch for the discerning connoisseur.

  • 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" The Staccato"
A highly rare and well-preserved 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial displaying small ‘Oyster’ designation and ‘floating scripts’

Circa 1973
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF180,000 - 360,000 

Sold for CHF287,500

Contact Specialist
Tiffany To
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 96 63
tto@phillips.com

Daytona Ultimatum

Geneva Auction 12 May 2018