Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1983 Reference No: 6265 Case No: 7'627'871 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 557, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped R5 Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6265 was launched simultaneously with reference 6263 in 1969, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph, reference 6240. These Cosmograph Daytonas with screw-down pushers were in production for almost 20 years, and were offered in either stainless steel or gold. Today, reference 6265 has reached a cult-like status among collectors, due to its presence in popular culture and the media.
The present watch is a later generation example, and is distinguished by the excellent condition of its case. It features sharp finishes to the top of the lugs and a crisp case back. The luminous dots are furthermore all intact.
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.