Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 6263 caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 2'330'456
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "3 Liner"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather, accompanied by a second 18K yellow gold Jubilee style bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted box and unsigned 18K yellow gold Jubilee style bracelet.
    Literature: The gold reference 6263 without SCOC printing on the dial is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 360-363.

  • Catalogue Essay

    As with the majority of Rolex timepieces, the Cosmograph Daytona underwent subtle yet continuous changes, literally making each evolution both fascinating to the scholar and covetable to the collector.
    The references 6263 and 6265 were introduced into the market in approximately 1969, as an upgrade to the 6240, the first Daytona to feature screw down pushers. Originally presented in stainless steel these references were offered in a flamboyant gold livery starting the early 1970s.

    In the late 1970s Rolex tested the movements of the gold Cosmograph Daytonas to chronometric standards. The movements were consequently numbered and the dials featured the now legendary Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified (SCOC) printing. The earlier models did not feature numbered movements or SCOC signature but simply “Oyster Cosmograph” like their steel counterparts.

    Considering the extremely few gold reference 6263/6265 without SCOC printing to have appeared on the international auction market it is believed that the majority of the estimated 2000 gold models were produced starting late 1970s.

    The present reference 6263 presents all the elements that make the hearts of aficionados beat faster. In overall very appealing condition, it is one of the earliest known gold reference 6263s with the dial consequently void of SCOC printing making it particularly rare. The subdials suggest a hint of color change with a deep purple hue adding extra appeal to an already very seductive watch.

    Accompanied by its original fitted box and second Jubilee style gold bracelet it has an air of nonchalant elegance that will certainly entice the vintage Rolex 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 caseback stamped 6239
A very rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "3 liner" dial

1970
37mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 180,000 
€106,000-158,000
$123,000-184,000

Sold for CHF187,500

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018