Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1972
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 2'805'126
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "557B" and "78350 19" to the endlinks, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "MA3 78350"
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1969, Rolex simultaneously launched references 6263 and 6265, the "intellectual offsprings" of the first Oyster Cosmograph - Model 6240 discontinued in 1969. The Cosmograph Daytona with screw-down pushers was in production for almost 20 years and was offered in either stainless steel or gold.

    The present reference 6263 displays a stunning dial that has turned a beautiful rich chestnut "tropical" tone with age, and is distinguished by its impressive state of preservation. There is no telling how a tropical dial will turn, and this examples displays a richly saturated milk chocolate tone, with a darker shade in places granting it a somewhat "dégradé" effect. The luminous dots are furthermore preserved in excellent condition, round and without losses. The case as well is in remarkable condition, with incredibly crisp edges and full lugs.

  • 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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167

Ref. 6263
An early, very well-preserved and immensely attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with chestnut-colored "tropical" dial and bracelet

Circa 1972
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€82,400-165,000
$80,100-160,000

Sold for CHF151,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022