Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1982
    Reference No: 6263
    Movement No: 10'153
    Case No: 7'426'619
    Model Name: Cosmograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "71" to the endlinks, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "N9" and "7205"
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Inheriting the black acrylic bezel and screw-down pushers of ref. 6240, but upping the ante with the chronometer COSC-certified (as the dial proudly proclaims) calibre 727, reference 6263 is a cornerstone of Rolex history and one of the most beloved Daytona models of all times.

    A sports timepiece by vocation, the Cosmograph Daytona was intended to be used by professional racers and sportsman in general - as such, it was made mostly in stainless steel. Gold examples - with their heavy, eye-catching and soft gold cases - fall completely out of this ethos, and thus at the time were not-so-warmly received. This translates today in their scarcity and enormous collectability.

    The present example is indeed a representative of this category, and it is furthermore fitted with a champagne dial with black subsidiary counters which perfectly complements the gold case/black bezel for an enormous aesthetic impact.

    Furthermore, the present example dons one of the most incredibly well-preserved dial ever seen on this model, featuring flawless luminous accents - wonderfully aged to a charming camel hue - an absolutely unmarred surface, and pristine graphics. The gold bracelet - sporting the rare and sought-after “71” end links - is the perfect complement to the watch and renders the pieces an ultimate statement piece.

  • 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 scarce and luxurious yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black bezel, champagne dial and bracelet

Circa 1982
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF90,000 - 180,000 
€93,400-187,000
$98,900-198,000

Sold for CHF190,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023