Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 5'847'094
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78350, 19, end links stamped 571, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    To most vintage Rolex collectors, a reference 6263 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona represents a must have due to its superb aesthetics, legibility, and wearing comfort. To find one with such a dial, adorned with the prestigious Tiffany & Co. signature, presents an extraordinary opportunity. References 6263 and 6265 were both launched in 1969, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph model, reference 6240. The stainless steel model with screw-down pushers was in production for nearly 20 years, and the present watch was manufactured in 1978. The combination of the watch’s silvered dial with black subsidiary dials, and its correct black acrylic bezel creates an eye-catching contrast with the steel case. Found beneath the “Oyster Cosmograph” script at 12 o’clock is the prestigious “Tiffany & Co.” retailer signature printed in black. Accordingly, like many Rolex watches sold by Tiffany, one can still notice remnants of the retailer’s internal code marked on the underside of the bottom right lug, which was most likely slightly rubbed off with wear and bracelet removal over the years. This sporty yet elegant watch is offered in excellent overall condition, and has been well preserved in its original state over the course of its 40-some year lifespan. The correctness and rarity of this piece makes it one of the most exciting examples of the reference one could hope to own.

  • 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
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1978
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€73,400-147,000
$82,400-165,000

Sold for CHF112,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016