Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1977 Reference No: 6265 Movement No: 1'621 Case No: 5'060'004 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "71" to the endlinks, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6265 was introduced to the market in 1969, and ceased production in 1987. While the reference was mainly cased in stainless steel, limited amounts were also cased in 18K or 14K yellow gold. As the Daytona was first and foremost a tool watch for professional drivers, the public mostly looked for the light and resistant steel version; the heavy, flashy and more delicate gold variation made little sense at the time. Thus, notwithstanding its near 2 decades of production run, it is estimated that no more than 2000 examples were cased in gold.
One of the peculiarities of the new calibre 727 (found on ref. 6262, 6263, 6264 and 6265) is that it had chronometer capabilities. While, however, steel Daytonas were not certified by COSC, the gold versions, doubtlessly due to their higher prestige, were indeed sent to COSC for certification. Thus, with some very early exceptions, they bear already the script now ubiquitous on all Daytonas: Rolex / Oyster / Superlative Chronometer / Officially Certified.
The present watch is fitted with a superlatively well preserved champagne dial, highlighting its warm and luxurious aesthetic impact. Not only the dial is devoid of any mark or scratch, but the case as well is in equally well-preserved condition, with sharp edges, strong satin finish and very little signs of wear. Compounding to looks and condition, the watch comes with a "71" endlinks riveted bracelet - also in excellent condition-, an extremely sought-after rarity in itself. Truly, a collector-class statement piece.
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.
