Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 6263
    Movement No: 5'329
    Case No: 5’534’494
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Literature: An example of a yellow gold reference 6263 is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pp. 368 and 369.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Something of an anomaly, a Rolex Daytona encased in precious metal does not seem logical given the watch’s intended sporting nature; coupled with a higher price tag than the steel variants, the gold models originally did not sell well. Research suggests 100 gold references 6263 were produced annually over its life span of twenty years, leading to approximately 2,000 examples believed to have been manufactured. Thus with time, the gold variant of the 6263 and its companion piece, the metal bezel reference 6265, have become highly collectible not only for their rarity, but their diverse visual appeal in contrast to the more abundant stainless steel Daytona.

    The present watch is fresh-to-the-market, consigned by the descendant of its original owner. With its robust 18 karat yellow gold case and screw-down pushers, it combines both utilitarian form with refined style. This motif continues on the dial, featuring the sporty chronograph layout typical of a Rolex Daytona, but accented by shimmering gold subdials, text, and outer seconds track. The gold hands and indices along with the applied gold coronet compliment the watch. Its appeal is further accentuated by the matching cream-colored luminous plots and hands all set on the eye-catching black dial. Its well-preserved original bezel and pushers, as well as its strong case proportions result in a highly attractive example for the connoisseur.

    Today, the gold Daytona is sought after for its versatility and unmistakable aesthetic – whether for the recreational sportsman or accomplished businessman – make it suitable for any occasion. It is a design that has become an iconic standard in the 21st century, and this attractive, single owner example makes it a fine addition to any collection of timepieces.

  • 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
A rare, very fine, and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch

1978
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$70,000 - 140,000 
CHF69,800-140,000
€60,800-122,000
HK$549,000-1,100,000

Sold for $137,500

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

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018