This wristwatch is the concrete proof of how much Rolex marketing practices have changed over the past 30 years. The yellow gold case bears the reference 6265 between the lugs, indicating a timepiece with metal bezel and black or champagne dial. However, it is obvious the watch presents very different features and looks exactly the same as reference 6269, save for the reference number. In-depth analysis confirms beyond any doubt that both bezel and dial are authentic Stern creations - the dial stamped to the back with the expected Stern designations - opening speculation on how such a timepiece came to be.

The most logical explanation is that the original owner had wanted reference 6269, but it was most probably not immediately available at the retailer. Thus, an order was likely placed for a dial and bezel of reference 6269, which were then mounted on a reference 6265, resulting in this “chimera”. While such a practice today would be unthinkable - for example, Rolex would never supply a spare rainbow dial or bezel - at the time it was more than encouraged, as such bejeweled timepieces were difficult to sell, and it is more than plausible that Rolex had a stock of dials and bezels which they realized would be very difficult to deplete.

With more than a little bit of irony, what at the time was in all likelihood a simple escamotage to achieve the looks of reference 6269 on reference 6265 resulted in the creation of this hybrid timepiece, the likes of which the market has never seen before and it is very unlikely to see again.