Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 6265 inside caseback stamped 6262 Case No: 3'032'070 Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 271 endlinks, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6265 was introduced to the market in approximately 1969 and ceased production in the late 1980s. The model features screw down pushers and thus carries an "Oyster" designation on the dial. It is powered by caliber 727, a Rolex upgrade of Valjoux caliber 72 and the final evolution of this movement (following cal. 72A, 72B, 722, and 722-1). From the late 80s, with reference 16520, Rolex started to employ an El Primero based movement in the Cosmograph.
The present watch bears a 3 million serial number and is this a very early variant of the celebrated model. Preserved in excellent condition, it even retains its original Mk 1 pushers. Most notably, the subsidiary registers have toned down to a beautiful and rich chocolate shade over time. The contrast against the silvered dial is stunning. It is extraordinary how the registers have aged so evenly. Most importantly, the white graphics within the registers remain bright, clear and not mottled, showing that the counters have aged naturally, and have not been tampered with. The luminous dots are furthermore intact and perfectly round on the dial and match the hands.
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.
Ref. 6265 inside caseback stamped 6262 A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with chocolate brown "tropical" subsidiary registers, bracelet and presentation box
Circa 1972 37mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed