Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 8'844'636
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Daytona "Big Red"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 replaced the first Oyster Cosmograph model, 6240. Compared to first generation Cosmograph Daytonas, such as reference 6239 and 6241, the model featured screw down pushers and thus carried the "Oyster" designation on the dial, offering water resistance. The model was offered in either stainless steel or gold and the movement was also upgraded from a Valjoux 722 movement to the more reliable Valjoux 727 movement. So pleasing and appealing this design is, it is actually the obvious inspiration for the universally acclaimed contemporary Daytona model with ceramic bezel.

    Featuring a silvered dial, the present "Big Red" Daytona is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp bevels and crisp edges throughout. The luminous material has furthermore aged with warm and pleasing patina.

  • 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
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1985
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 60,000 
€37,100-55,600
$43,600-65,400

Sold for CHF81,900

Contact Specialist

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

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020