Rolex - Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History Hong Kong Sunday, November 27, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 6265, inside case back stamped 6262
    Case No: 2'851'466
    Model Name: Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown suede strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 37 mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex guarantee dated 20 April 1974, business card of former Manager at Crisson, product literature and fitted presentation box.
    Provenance: Christie’s 10 November 2013, Rolex Daytona "Lesson One", lot 22.
    Literature: For another example of reference 6265 always displaying ‘mustard’ subsidiary dials, please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 475.

  • Provenance

    Christie’s 10 November 2013, Rolex Daytona "Lesson One", lot 22.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1969, the references 6263 and 6265 were successors to the references 6241 and 6239, respectively. Thanks to improvements to the screw down pushers and crown, the chronograph wristwatch was now guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 50 meters and featured an ‘Oyster’ designation printed on the dial.

    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.

  • 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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832

Ref. 6265, inside case back stamped 6262
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with 'tropical' subsidiary registers, guarantee and presentation box

1972
37 mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$480,000 - 960,000 
$60,000-120,000

Sold for HK$1,062,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
International Department Head
+85 26 773 93 15

Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2016