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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1971
    Reference No: 6264 inside caseback stamped 6239
    Case No: 2'750'745
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Hermès Barenia leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Hermès buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in the late 1960s, the reference 6264, along with its companion model, reference 6262, was the last Rolex Daytona model to feature round “pump”-style chronograph pushers. With the release in 1969 of the references 6263 and 6265, Rolex committed to the screw-down pushers for enhanced water resistance. The 6264 is amongst the rarest of all Daytona references with a production span of approximately three years and was produced in stainless steel, 18K and 14K gold. Housed with the upgraded caliber 727, the model was the successor to the reference 6241 with a black acrylic bezel and white tachometer graduation.

    The present watch is astoundingly original and beautiful in so many ways. The most awe inspiring and captivating aspect of the watch is the dial. The silver soleil dial is preserved in excellent condition, and is free of tarnishing. Most striking are the subsidiary registers, which are arguably the most compelling aspect of the watch. Originally black, they have 'turned' to an even cappuccino/chestnut shade over time, even leaning into orange. The luminous accents are furthermore preserved in equally excellent condition, and remains round and intact throughout. As an even nicer touch, the Mk 1 bezel is correct for the serial number and the case is preserved in excellent condition with crisp finishes throughout.

  • 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.

    View More Works

182

Ref. 6264 inside caseback stamped 6239
An extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with chestnut coloured "tropical" registers

Circa 1971
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€72,700-145,000
$76,900-154,000

Sold for CHF91,440

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