Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1973 Reference No: 6263 inside case back stamped 6265 Case No: 3'602'052 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex C&I deployant clasp stamped 74 Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6263 was introduced to the market in 1969 and produced until the late 1980s. Compared to first generation examples of the Cosmograph Daytona, the model featured screw down pushers and thus carried the "Oyster" designation on the dial. The movement was also upgraded from a Valjoux 722 movement to the more reliable Valjoux 727 movement.
The present watch most notably features an attractive "Sigma" dial. The "T Swiss T" signature at 6 o'clock is flanked by the "Sigma" notation, denoting the markers are white gold. Research shows that the "Sigma" notation appeared on Rolex dials in the early 1970s.
This reference 6263 is characterized by its unmistakably very good condition. Still retaining its Mk 1 bezel and Mk 2 pushers, the case displays extremely sharp edges. Although it displays signs of being worn, it has survived gracefully throughout the years and still showcases incredibly robust proportions. The lug holes are remarkably crisp and remain a substantial distance from the edge of the case. Most notably, the "Sigma" dial does not display any signs of spotting to the naked eye and all the luminous dots remain intact - an incredible feat, as many surviving Cosmographs display losses to the luminous material. Furthermore, the numbers between the lugs are incredibly deep, as they have not seen any intervention at all.
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.