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169

Rolex

Ref. 6265

Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"

A rare and impressively well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "Big Red" dial, guarantee, invoice and presentation box

Estimate
CHF55,000 - 110,000
€59,300 - 119,000
$69,100 - 138,000
CHF114,300
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1985
Reference No
6265
Case No
8'602'025
Model Name
Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions
37mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated July 8, 1985, product literature, wallet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 replaced the first Oyster Cosmograph model, 6240. Reference 6265 was introduced to the market in 1969 precisely and ceased production in the late 1980s. Compared to the first generation of the Cosmograph Daytona, the model featured screw down pushers and thus carried the "Oyster" designation on the dial, offering water resistance. The model was offered in either stainless steel or gold and the movement was also upgraded from a Valjoux 722 movement to the more reliable Valjoux 727 movement.

The present watch, offered in excellent and incredibly sharp condition is an impressive example. Displaying round luminous plots, the dial is crisp and free of visible flaws. Luminous dots usually fall off or degrade over time, yet the ones on this examples remain round and intact. Furthermore, the case is preserved in incredibly sharp condition with crisp edges and facets. As an even nicer touch, it is accompanied by its Rolex Guarantee dated July 8, 1985, presentation box and outer packaging.

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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