Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1971
    Reference No: 6263 caseback stamped 6262
    Case No: 2'788'879
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For a similar example of a reference 6263, called "Terra di Siena", please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 381.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is astoundingly original and beautiful in so many ways. With a 2.788 million serial number, it is among the very first batch of reference 6263s ever produced. This is especially apparent as the inside case back is stamped 6262, which is correct. Scholarship shows that the earliest examples of reference 6263 and 6265s were fitted with the leftover case backs from earlier models such as reference 6262.

    Yet, the most awe inspiring and captivating aspect of the watch is the dial. The silver soleil dial is preserved in excellent condition, and is free of tarnishing. Most striking are the subsidiary registers, which are arguably the most compelling aspect of the watch. Originally black, they have 'turned' an even honey shade over time, even leaning into orange. It is fascinating how each register has aged in such a consistent, even uniform way, that is incredibly pleasing to the eye. The luminous is furthermore preserved in equally excellent condition, and remains round and intact throughout.

    A few other details separate this watch from its peers. One is the original 5 point Rolex crown, which features an image of the the coronet only. These "700 series" crowns were fitted to the earliest batches of reference 6263 and 6265 only. Rarer still, this watch still retains its original mk 1 bezel and mk 1 "millerighe" pushers - another sign of originality. It is incredibly rare to find an example that is so similar to how it left the Rolex factory 46 years ago.

  • 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 caseback stamped 6262
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with honey-colored "tropical" subsidiary registers

1971
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€55,600-111,000
$59,500-119,000

Sold for CHF162,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017