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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1973
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 3'265'869
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, reference 78350, end links stamped 571, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp reference 78350
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Cosmograph does not need an introduction as it has for decades captivated collectors worldwide from the original models launched in the 1960s to the most recent iterations of the 21st century.

    Reference 6263 was in production - together with its metal-bezel sibling reference 6265 - since the late 1960s until 1987. The final evolution of the manual Daytona line, it is considered by many the most representative and iconic reference of the line, incorporating all the details which made the Daytona a masterpiece of design: bezel with black insert bearing a tachymetre scale, screw-down pushers, and the unmistakable Rolex Oyster case.

    The present example is a perfect study in stealth contrast with its silver dial, black bezel and subdials that have turned and incredibly attractive and harmonious chocolate brown color.

    This fresh-to-the-market example from 1973 is fitted with its original MK2 pusher.

    In addition to its very appealing condition and tropical subdials, its rarity is further enhanced by the desirable ‘Sigma’ dial, which has the Sigma marks flanking the “T SWISS T” at 6 o’clock, designating the use of gold for the hour markers and hands.

  • 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 very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch chronograph with bracelet, chocolate brown "tropical" subdials and Sigma dial

Circa 1973
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€46,300-92,600
$54,500-109,000

Sold for CHF88,200

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