Rolex - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1971
    Reference No: 6265
    Case No: 3’048’109
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 271, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee, product literature, wallet and pouch.
    Literature: A similar example is prominently illustrated in the Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 484-487.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Ever since the beginning of humanity, man has sought to track the passage of time, whether via astrolabes for seasonal changes, sundials for hourly changes, or today’s wristwatches with ‘to-the-second’ accuracy. Precision timekeeping has evolved to an art form, and certain brands and models have become inseparable. Rolex, with its Cosmograph Daytona model launched in 1963, is one such legendary association. Named after the 24-hour endurance race held annually since 1962 at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, Rolex has become inextricably linked to the world of motorsport, now more than ever as the race is officially known as the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The present reference 6265 from 1971 is in lovely original condition, and features the notably attractive ‘Sigma’ dial. The ‘T Swiss T’ signature, situated at the bottom of the dial, is flanked by the Greek "sigma" symbols, denoting the hour markers and hands are made of white gold. Offered with its original punched guarantee and booklets, the reference 6265 illustrated here is a compelling chronograph wristwatch for collectors that seek an iconic timepiece linked to the world of motorsport and offering lasting value.

  • 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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15

Ref. 6265
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with dial displaying ‘Sigma’ symbols, bracelet and punched guarantee.

1971
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
37mm diameter

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,200-58,500
€25,600-51,100
HK$234,000-468,000

Sold for $97,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017