Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 6265, inside caseback stamped 6262
    Case No: 3'362'531
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph, "Sigma Dial"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7835, 19, end links stamped 361, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 3.72
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex presentation box and Cosmograph booklet
    Literature: For other examples of reference 6265, see Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 452-523, and I Cronografi Rolex La Leggenda, Pucci Papaelo Editore, pg. 336-349

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex has extremely strict quality control guidelines, making it close to impossible for a flawed watch to pass through their rigorous testing and end up for sale at a retailer. It is not only a mystery, but also an ultimate trophy for a collector to find a Rolex watch sold with an error on the dial that is in fact original and in the same state as it was when leaving the factory. The present watch is a treat to scholars and collectors alike, as this ‘sigma’ dial is already rare.

    However, when paired with an erroneous double printing of the ‘Rolex’ signature, it becomes one of the most exciting watches for collectors of vintage Rolex. Reference 6265 was launched simultaneously with reference 6263 in 1969, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. These Cosmograph Daytonas with screw-down pushers were in production for almost 20 years, and were offered in either stainless steel or gold. This example is referred to as a “sigma” dial, as the dial’s bottom edge at six o’clock features the sigma designations flanking “T SWISS T”, signifying the use of gold for the hour markers and hands. The matte black dial is in excellent condition, with luminous dots along the outer ring, all of which are present and intact. Manufactured in 1972, the present watch is in pristine condition, indicative of careful wear over its 45 year lifespan. At once masculine and highly attractive, the Daytona can easily be worn day or night, and the idiosyncracies of the present example make it a trophy piece for scholars of vintage Rolex watches.

  • 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 6262
A rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black 'Sigma' dial and bracelet

1972
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,400-27,500
$20,600-30,900

Sold for CHF45,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016