Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 6263
    Movement No: 1254
    Case No: 5'126'721
    Model Name: Cosmograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex blank guarantee.
    Provenance: Rolex Daytona "Lesson One" 50 exceptional examples of the world's most celebrated chronograph wristwatch, Christie's Geneva November 10, 2013: Lot 29.
    Literature: "The Krug" is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 444 to 447.

  • Provenance

    Rolex Daytona "Lesson One" 50 exceptional examples of the world's most celebrated chronograph wristwatch, Christie's Geneva November 10, 2013: Lot 29.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Displaying a 5.126 million serial number, this wonderfully preserved reference 6263 has most likely never been polished, propelling it into the most impressive levels of collectibility. Its exceptional state of preservation is further underlined by the presence of the original Rolex sticker, which is still partially present on the case back. The combination of green case back sticker, brown registers and gold livery has inspired this watch's nickname "The Krug". Its provenance is particularly impressive, having been sold at "Rolex Daytona "Lesson One" 50 exceptional examples of the world's most celebrated chronograph wristwatch." Furthermore, "The Krug" is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, page 444 to 447.

    This reference 6263 most notably features a dial displaying "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". During the early 1970s, Rolex began to submit their yellow gold Cosmographs for chronometer certification. While the very first examples displayed an "Oyster Split" designation, later examples, such as this particular configuration displayed the COSC designation directly below "Rolex Oyster". Adding to its charm and desirability, these subsidiary registers have started to become tropical and are turning a deep aubergine tone.

  • 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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Ref. 6263
A rare and extremely well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with aubergine "tropical" registers

1977
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€89,100-178,000
$101,000-201,000

Sold for CHF193,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019