Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 7’627’027
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 571, max overall length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp reference 78350, stamped I8
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated December 24, 1985, Jacobs JLRS Warranty Plus card, green leather Rolex presentation box, original sales invoice, service receipts, additional provenance material, service box, and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s reference 6263 is one of the most iconic and sought-after vintage Daytona watches available. The large case and acrylic bezel give the chronograph a modern and appealing aesthetic that charms both men and women. Introduced in 1969 as the upgraded version of the earlier reference 6240, the new model housed the caliber 727 and featured screw down pushers for enhanced waterproof capability. Along with the reference 6265, the stainless-steel bezel version of the watch, the two sit proudly in the pantheon of Rolex chronograph history. In fact, Rolex’s current Daytona with black dial, the reference 116500LN, was directly inspired by these vintage “Big Red” Daytona models.

    Fresh to the market, this lovely example was purchased by its owner in 1985 and has been a longtime companion timepiece during his frequent trips to various motor sports events throughout the world. The ultimate tool watch, this example has been privileged to attend and time some of the most exciting motor sports races known. As the provenance material illustrates, the watch was worn at car races from Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona to 24 Hours at Le Mans, the Austin Texas Formula One, 12 Hours of Sebring, and in 2002, the Indianapolis F1.

    Consigned by the original owner, it is in overall well-preserved, original condition. The allure of the watch is enhanced with the correct black acrylic bezel, original pushers and Oyster bracelet, and comes complete with original dated guarantee, sales invoice, service papers, and presentation box. Today, the Rolex Daytona is an important wristwatch for collectors, and this vintage chronograph is an excellent example with great pedigree and is sure to please savvy connoisseurs.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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
A well-preserved and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with guarantee, presentation box, original invoice, service receipts, and provenance material

1982
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF38,000-76,000
€38,700-77,400
HK$313,000-626,000
S$55,100-110,000

Sold for $107,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022