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28

Rolex

Ref. 6263" The Staccato"

Oyster Cosmograph

A highly rare and well-preserved 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial displaying small ‘Oyster’ designation and ‘floating scripts’

Estimate
CHF180,000 - 360,000
CHF287,500
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1973
Reference No
6263" The Staccato"
Movement No
1501
Case No
3'609'170
Model Name
Oyster Cosmograph
Material
14K yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal.727, 17jewels
Bracelet/Strap
14K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max. length 210mm
Clasp/Buckle
14K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.71
Dimensions
37.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6263 was introduced to the market in approximately 1969 and produced until 1987. While the model was mainly cased in stainless steel, limited numbers were also dressed in 18K or 14K yellow gold. This watch is particularly rare due to its 14K yellow gold case and bracelet, which were reserved for watches delivered to the American market.

Starting from the early 1970s, Rolex began to power its gold Oyster Cosmograph watches with chronometer certified movements. Whilst earlier dials displayed “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” only, later models featured a different layout that referenced the “COSC” movement.

One of the rarest variants, this dial displays “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” floating beneath “Rolex Oyster”, giving way to its name ‘Oyster-split’. Most importantly, the ‘Oyster’ script appears smaller than ever seen before.

Furthermore, gold chronographs were eventually assigned movement numbers, which were engraved on the plate behind the balance wheel. Research shows that this was related to the officially certified chronometer movement. The exceptional condition of this watch combined with its rare features makes it a must have trophy watch for the discerning connoisseur.

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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