Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1975
    Reference No: 6265
    Movement No: 1668
    Case No: 3'960'378, inside caseback stamped “6264”
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Oyster Split”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped “71”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee and service invoice.
    Literature: A similar example of the reference prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 468-469

  • Catalogue Essay

    From the beginning of the 1970s until the end of 1987, Rolex presented the Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6265 alongside its black bakelite bezel sibling ref. 6263. Though mostly cased in stainless steel, a luxurious alternative was made in gold in limited numbers, with the production estimated to be around 100 pieces per year for both references.

    For enthusiasts of the crown jewelled brand, the one obsession that sparks excitement are the small details of the evolution of the text on a dial. In the early 1970s, Rolex decided to obtain chronometer certification for all gold Daytona models and began printing ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ on the dials, while some early examples retained the previously used “3 liner” variation. Amongst the handful of black dial variants lies an even rarer species, nicknamed the “Oyster-Split” with an unusual spacing of the script at 12 o’clock. If one observes closely, the display of “ROLEX OYSTER” and “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” floats further apart from each other. These dials can be found on both refs. 6263 and ref. 6265 and are considered to be absolute grails amongst their kind.

    Not your everyday find, the present “Oyster-Split” ref. 6265 bears a 3’960’XXX serial produced from circa 1975 is preserved in stunning condition and retains the ‘MK 1’ chronograph pushers. The contrast of the yellow gold case which has gained a warm patina over the years clashes beautifully against the handsome champagne registers on its black dial. Furthermore, a delight to collectors, the luminous markers remain perfectly preserved and intact. A similar example was sold at PHILLIPS Daytona Ultimatum auction Lot 28 for CHF287,500. Extremely desirable and sought after, the present example fitted with the rare dial will certainly garner interest from the dedicated collector of vintage Rolex.

  • 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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836

Ref. 6265
An important, very rare and well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Oyster Split” dial and bracelet

Circa 1975
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,560,000 
€86,700-173,000
$100,000-200,000

Sold for HK$1,512,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021