Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1973
    Reference No: 6263 inside case back stamped 6262
    Case No: 3'424'365
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Pearl Harbour Lycia Naff"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78350/19, end links stamped 571, max length 205mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona, by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 376-379.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph - reference 6240. These models were fitted with the Oyster chronograph pushers ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters and the reference 6263 also featured a bezel with black acrylic insert featuring a tachometer scale printed in white.

    In production for almost 20 years, references 6263 and 6265 were offered in either stainless steel or gold.

    If one looks closely, there are subtle yet important details that set the present Daytona reference 6263 apart from its kin.

    The dial layout of the present model was most probably part of test dials as the subsidiaries are notably larger than those found on most other examples of references 6263/6265. As a result, Rolex Cosmograph collectors have named this rare variant “Big Eye”.

    Another notable difference is the “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” printing that is lower on the dial. However, the most arresting element of the dial is the color of the oversized subdials which have turned a surprising and attractive aubergine color giving the watch an almost climactic appearance.

    This exact reference 6263 watch is proudly featured proudly in “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” book by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 376-379 and dubbed “Pearl Harbour Lycia Naff.”

    The nickname Lycia Naff comes from the role played by the American actress in the original 1990 motion picture “Total Recall”, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, where she was a mutant with three breasts.

    The present watch in overall attractive condition and striking dial ticks all the boxes for the Daytona 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 inside case back stamped 6262
A highly attractive and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial, oversized "aubergine" coloured "Big Eye" registers and bracelet

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

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 120,000 
€69,100-104,000
$82,600-124,000

Sold for CHF187,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017