Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1980
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 6'047'298
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet reference 78350 19, endlinks stamped 571, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "VF" and 78350"
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated April 28, 1987 and stamped by Grand Cayman retailer Kirk Freeport Plaza LTD., original invoice, green Guarantee multi-language translation leaflet, calendar card for the years 1982/83 and Rolex presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    There are seven stainless steel references for the manually-wound Daytona Cosmograph, differing for the combination of calibre (72B/722/722-1 or 727), bezel (black insert or engraved metal) and pushers (screw down or pump). Arguably, the one that best epitomizes the soul of this model is reference 6263 (black bezel, screw down pushers). The purity of this configuration, especially when it comes in the white dial variation, allows not only for perfect legibility - after all, the Cosmograph was first and foremost a tool for racers - but also grants the timepiece an undeniably enormous aesthetic impact thanks to the black/white chromatic scheme which alternates obviously on the dial, but on the case as well thanks to the black bezel contrasting with the shiny metal. So pleasing and appealing this design is, that in fact it is the obvious inspiration for the universally acclaimed contemporary Daytona model with ceramic bezel.

    The present timepiece, fiercely treasured in the same collection for the past twenty years, is in fact a representative of this archetypical configuration. It is offered in excellent condition, and with its original sale documentation. It is well known how the presence of a box is a welcome addition to a piece, and the presence of the original guarantee a definite leap forward in the collectability of a watch. Thus, when an item as iconic as this is not only offered with original guarantee and box, but even with the original purchase invoice, its appeal to the connoisseur of vintage timepiece can be described as truly stellar.

  • 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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251

Ref. 6263
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, original Guarantee and box

Circa 1980
37mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€25,700-42,900
$31,800-52,900

Sold for CHF95,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018