Rolex - The Watch Auction: One Geneva Saturday, May 9, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1971
    Reference No: 6263, stamped 6262 inside the case back
    Case No: 2'849'368
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, 727
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, reference 7835, end links stamped 257
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 1.71
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Guarantee, product literature, additional stainless steel Rolex buckle, fitted presentation box, outer packaging and swing tags

  • Catalogue Essay

    References 6263 and 6265 were launched in 1969 and succeeded the outgoing 6240, the first Oyster Cosmograph model. Thanks to the redesigned screw down buttons and crown, these models were now guaranteed water resistant for 50 meters. The first batch, from which the present watch is a premium example, are fitted with the MK1 pushers, easily recognizable thanks to the more fine reeding.

    The example here is a real treat to a demanding collector having survived in stunning original condition and still preserving its original certificate, hanging tag, box and other accessories. It was originally sold in the United States and the guarantee is stamped 5.73., showing how humble demand was for these models at the time.

    The most evident visual aspect however is the untouched dial which has turned over the last 40 years from black to a strong mocca brown. Preserved in close to perfect overall condition, this Oyster Cosmograph ticks every box for the most demanding collector.

  • 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, stamped 6262 inside the case back
A very fine are rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, "Tropical" dial, guarantee, box and swing tags

1971
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 100,000 

Sold for CHF131,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Watch Auction: One

Geneva Auction 10 May 2015 6:30pm