Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 6265 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 5'529'068
    Case No: 5'529'068
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red for Libyan Army"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph– reference 6240. The Cosmograph Daytona with screw-down pushers was in production for almost 20 years and was offered with both acrylic or metal bezel in either stainless steel or gold case.

    Preserved in excellent condition, the present watch is an extremely well-preserved example with crisp edges and sharp lugs. At first glance, this watch look like a well-reserved, typical Cosmograph Daytona with a "big red" dial. Further inspection of the caseback reveals more as it shows an engraving which reads "Military Forces, Officer's Barracks". Made for the Libyan army, the present watch is incredibly rare and one among a handful of known tool watches delivered with this inscription on the caseback. Most interestingly, the inside case back is repeated with the serial number, showing that the present watch was made upon special order. Furthermore, there is a small hole on the outer case back, near the "teeth". This hole was used to secure the case back when Rolex stamped the markings.

  • 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. 6265 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 5'529'068
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, made for the Libyan army

Circa 1978
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 90,000 
€55,600-83,400
$65,400-98,100

Sold for CHF107,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020