832
Rolex
Ref. 6265, inside case back stamped 6262
Cosmograph
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with 'tropical' subsidiary registers, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
John Goldberger's Opinion
This very attractive watch, with 2.8 million serial number, is among the first series of reference 6265. The case back is further stamped 6262, signifying that the watch was part of the first batch produced. Research suggests that Rolex fitted early examples of 6263 and 6265 with left over case backs from previous models.
Aside from these subtle details, the most striking aspect of this watch is the dial. The superb silver soleil dial is enhanced by ‘tropical’ subsidiary registers, which have turned from a black, to a subtle warm chocolate brown color. It is astounding that the registers have aged so evenly. The luminous dots are furthermore intact, and perfectly round on the dial.
The case is impressive, retaining its proportions and milled finishes to the top of the lugs. This watch is also fitted with the correct bezel and pushers. This watch is completed with its original guarantee along with presentation box. The provenance of this watch is remarkable, having been sold at Christie’s historic Rolex Daytona "Lesson One" sale, lot 22.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.