Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 6263 Case No: 5’503’315 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona, “Big Red” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal.727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped "78350.19" endlinks stamped "517", max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: A similar example is illustrated and described in: Ultimate Rolex Daytona, Pucci Papaleo, pp. 448-450.
Catalogue Essay
Being Rolex’s only chronograph wristwatch in continuous production, the Cosmograph Daytona series has crept into the realm of “grail watch” over the past few years. Preference, of course, is given to early models, including the 6263 and its sister reference of the 6265 which were both launched by the brand in the year of 1969.
Encased in stainless steel, this wondrous Rolex chronograph is an awe-inspiring wristwatch to possess and behold. The combination of the silvered dial with the enlarged red print of the “Daytona” designation creates an eye-catching contrast. Despite its age, the dial and case of the present example are preserved in overall excellent condition. The bevels of the case are largely retained, adding another element of collectability.
According to our research, on average only about 100 pieces of references 6263 and 6265 were created per year, making the model extremely rare and desired in the market. Whether for work, play or anything in between, this Cosmograph Daytona will be your perfect companion as you circle the race course called life.
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.