Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 6265
    Case No: 4'137'973
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped no. 57
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Daytona references 6263 and 6265, launched in 1969, feature a practical upgrade from their predecessors, the 6264 and 6262, respectively, in the form of screw down pushers and crown. Due to these improvements, the model now guaranteed a more waterproof design, as indicated by the "Oyster" designation on the dial.

    The present example manufactured in 1974 is a variant from the norm. Fresh to the market, it features an elegant and attractive silvered soleil "Sigma’" dial. The Greek symbol sigma is found at the outer wings of the "T Swiss T" designation, signifying the hour markers and hands are made of white gold. A pleasant purplish hue has begun to eclipse the original black color on the subsidiary dials, and is complemented well with the even, cream-colored shade the luminous material has developed. The current lot, with its "Sigma” dial and crisp case that retains its factory edges and curves, offers collectors the chance to own a rare chronograph with a striking combination of utility and sophistication.

    A charming engraving is found on the caseback, bearing the name “J.B. Linsmayer,” who it’s believed refers to the late James B. Linsmayer, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Minnesota.

  • 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.

    View More Works

33

Ref. 6265
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with dial displaying "Sigma" symbols and bracelet

1974
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$40,000 - 60,000 
CHF39,900-59,800
€34,700-52,100
HK$314,000-471,000

Sold for $62,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018