Fresh-to-the-market, this very early 18K yellow gold reference 6263 furthers our understanding of precious metal Rolex Daytonas as we know them, and displays some fascinating details. The reference 6263 with its screw-down pushers, was introduced alongside its metal bezel companion, the 6265, in approximately 1969, replacing the short-lived reference 6240. Though mostly cased in stainless steel, limited numbers were made in gold, with the production of these precious metal cases estimated to be around 100 per year for both references.

Rolex decided to obtain chronometer certification for all gold Daytona models beginning in the early 1970s, and began printing ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ on the dials, while some early examples retained the previously used “3 liner” variation. One of the rarest variants is the present example, with the dial displaying Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified floating beneath “Rolex Oyster” at 12 o’clock, giving way to its name “Oyster-Split”.

An exciting find, this particular watch is the earliest known yellow gold 6263 with the SCOC indication on the dial. Research shows that less than ten yellow gold Daytonas (a combination of 6239s, 6262s, 6263s, and 6265s) have appeared publicly or in literature within the very specific serial number range that the present example belongs to – all around the 2.33 million sequence. With approximately 100 6263s and 6265s produced per year, less than 50 examples of reference 6262, and around approximately 100 precious metal 6239s and 6241s probably produced that year, it is likely that these yellow gold cases were produced in one single batch - of which the present lot is the earliest.

As demand for the Daytona has steadily risen over the past few decades, and scholarship has increased by leaps and bounds, these small details are sure to excite dedicated and discerning collectors. Well-balanced, with a seamless melding of luxury and sport, the contrasting gold and black design elements found on the present watch are enhanced by a gold Jubilee bracelet produced under license in Venezuela with a special construction. Retailed by Joyería Roca Hermanos in Venezuela, the watch further impresses with its originality and completeness as it remains fitted with its original Mark 1 pushers and is accompanied with its original guarantee, product literature, and boxes.