Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 6263; inside caseback stamped 6262 Case No: 3’048’245 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph “Paul Newman Panda” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 271, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.72 Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by original guarantee dated 22 May 1974, sales receipt from Bucherer, product literature, fitted inner box, and outer box. Additionally accompanied by extra links. Literature: A similar example of a stainless steel reference 6263 "Paul Newman Panda" is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 348 and 349.
Catalogue Essay
Consigned by the original owner and accompanied by all its original paperwork, including the guarantee certificate and sales receipt from Bucherer in Lucerne, this piece exemplifies why the Oyster “Paul Newman” has become one of the world’s most highly sought after timepieces. Its rarity can only be matched by its good looks and complete nature – sure to pass the test of even the most assiduous collector.
The present reference 6263 features a “Panda” MK 2 dial. Paul Newman dials that feature a white dial with black subdials are referred to as “Panda” as they mimic the color scheme of the face of the much-beloved bear. These Paul Newman "Pandas" generally feature four subtly different dial configurations in accordance to the serial number, the MK2 being a version with beautifully sharp serifs on all the letters. The dial excels in all aspects: the perfect golden beige lume plots match the luminous material of the handset and the Art Deco numerals within the subdials are printed boldly against subtle, sublime concentric circles.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the extremely collectible Daytonas fitted with an exotic dial are the unusual Art Deco numerals located within the subdials. The Art Deco movement reached its heyday in the 1930s but has been stylistically pervasive through to the present day. Iconic Art Deco logos that have persisted include that of Harper’s Bazaar and Yves Saint Laurent’s monogram. Geometric, stark lines that are the hallmark of the Art Deco style are thought to have been inspired by two cultural movements of the early twentieth century – Egyptomania, the world’s fascination with Ancient Egypt, and the dawn of the Machine Age, inspiring more futuristic and industrial designs. It is no wonder that as an attempt to commercialize and boost sales of the manually wound Daytona, Rolex chose to incorporate such a striking and futuristic design element.
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.
Ref. 6263; inside caseback stamped 6262 A very fine, extremely rare, and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, original box and papers, retailed by Bucherer
Circa 1972 37.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.