Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1970
    Reference No: 6262
    Case No: 2’547’470; inside caseback stamped “6239”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deloyant clasp stamped Rolex U.S.A “7-72”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Japan service invoice and green leather holder.

  • 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.

    The present reference 6262 is a rare variant due to the arched 'blue' Daytona signature at 6 o’clock. A defect in the pigment turned the Daytona signature into an attractive and subtle light blue shade. Thus, earning its nickname amongst the collectors as ‘Baby Blue’. Bearing a 2.5 million serial from circa 1970, the present 6262 is extremely well-preserved boasting a strong case and impeccable dial with silver print contrasting with its attractive faded baby blue inscription. The condition alone is a rare find for the reference 6262, let alone the special hint of blue on the dial, this example will certainly please the discerning collectors of the racing legend.

  • 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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906

Ref. 6262
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "baby blue" Daytona dial and bracelet

Circa 1970
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 630,000 
€37,400-73,500
$41,000-80,800

Sold for HK$635,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023