Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 6263
    Movement No: 1254
    Case No: 5'126'721
    Model Name: Cosmograph "The Krug"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap and additional 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle and additional 18K yellow gold deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex blank guarantee, additional bracelet and presentation box.
    Provenance: Rolex Daytona "Lesson One" 50 exceptional examples of the world's most celebrated chronograph wristwatch, Christie's Geneva November 10, 2013: Lot 29.
    The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE, Phillips Geneva May 11, 2019: Lot 101.

    Literature: "The Krug" is prominently illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editore, 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.
    The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE, Phillips Geneva May 11, 2019: Lot 101.

  • 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 caseback. The combination of green caseback 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. The current consignor at great expense has also added an additional Rolex bracelet and presentation box to complement his original purchase.

  • 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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289

Ref. 6263
A rare and extremely well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with aubergine "tropical" registers, caseback sticker, additional bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

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

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 240,000 
€118,000-236,000
$127,000-255,000

Sold for CHF302,400

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022