172
Rolex
Ref. 6265
Cosmograph Daytona
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Sigma" dial and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Chronograph
- Features a rare "Sigma" dial, which is correct for the serial number
- Preserved in overall excellent and attractive condition
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6265 was introduced around 1969 and remained in production until the late 1980s. This model features screw-down pushers, earning it the "Oyster" designation on the dial. It is powered by the caliber 727, an upgraded version of the Valjoux caliber 72, representing the final evolution of this movement series. From the late 1980s onward, Rolex transitioned to an automatic El Primero–based movement with the introduction of reference 16520.
The present watch is an early variant of this celebrated model and is preserved in excellent condition, retaining its original pushers. Notably, the dial remains superb with no visible signs of aging, and the rare "Sigma" symbol at 6 o’clock indicates the use of precious metal on the indexes. The vinyl pattern on the registers is extremely crisp and well-defined, creating a stunning contrast against the silvered dial. Importantly, the white graphics within the registers are bright and clear, showing no signs of mottling.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.