Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1971 Reference No: 6264 Case No: 2'802'748 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona "Cherry Logo" Material: 14k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Rolex gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: This watch is illustrated in Pucci Papaleo's Ultimate Rolex Daytona book, pg. 300-303
Catalogue Essay
Amongst all of the Cosmograph Daytonas, reference 6264 is considered to be one of the rarest Daytona models made by Rolex, only in production for one year.
The way we are able to differentiate 6264 from 6262, as they are nearly identical, is the bezel. The bezel on reference 6264 is fitted with a highly resistant acrylic ring, which at the time was used for crystals. Therefore, the tachometer scale is printed in white within the bezel, whereas the 6262 bezel is engraved. The reference 6264 also features the upgraded caliber 727, with a higher beat frequency for improved accuracy, which was based on the previous calibre 722-1.
The black dial with champagne registers, in immaculate condition, does not have the commonly seen gilt Daytona designation. The red “Daytona” seen on this example is referred to amongst collectors as the “Cherry Logo” Daytona, and has a serial number close to 2.8 million. Extremely rare and highly elegant, the present example has aged beautifully, with pleasing oxidation along the outer case and in between the lugs.
Encased in 14k yellow gold, this watch was made for the American market, and is one of the most difficult Rolexes one can find to date. Exclusivity and wearability, combined with overall great condition and good looks make this watch highly desirable for the discerning collector.
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.