Introduced towards the end of the 1960’s, the ref. 6265 was the last of the “manually-wound” era of the Rolex Daytona. Upgraded from its previous models, the ref. 6265 featured reliable 302 screw-down chronograph pushers as well as an updated Triplock 702 crown enhancing its waterproof capabilities, furthermore fitted with the advanced cal. 727.
Manufactured in circa 1985, the present example belongs to a late example of the reference bearing an 8.86 million serial. The caseback is stamped with 6263 with the absence of “Patented”, signifying the present example to be one of the lasts. Presented in all original condition and fitted with the correct bracelet and clasp, the watch is preserved in “like new” condition. The lugs are nicely preserved with crisp and sharp bevels. Noticeable above the 6 O’clock subsidiary dial is the “Big Red” “Daytona” designation in correct format with the absence of a large gap in between the text and subsidiary dials.
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.
