Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 5'035'175
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex green leather presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most famous watches in the Rolex Daytona collection, the reference 6263 was released alongside its companion timepiece the reference 6265 in 1969, replacing their first screw down pusher chronograph the reference 6240. Both featured the upgraded caliber 727 with higher frequency and an acrylic bezel on the 6263 with a metal bezel on the 6265. Most examples were manufactured in a stainless steel, but research indicates approximately 100 of both references were made in yellow gold each year, which over a 20-year period leads to a relatively small number of gold timepieces produced.

    The Daytona is sought after for its versatility, durability and modern aesthetic. It is a watch that can be worn by sportsmen or businessmen alike and looks just as suitable at the beach as in the boardroom. The present 18K yellow gold timepiece is extremely well preserved, looking as original as it did the day it left the factory. The case is possibly unpolished and has strong proportions with crisp hallmarks to the undersides of the lugs. The dial is notable for its “sigma” T Swiss T signature at the bottom indicating the hour markers are made of yellow gold. Furthermore, it has a strong masculine appeal with the gold lettering and gold hands complimenting the black background. The sandy brown lume plots match the hands, and are intact.

    The Daytona is a highly sought after chronograph watch in the market today, and the yellow gold version has an appeal that many will not forget. The watch has become an icon of the 21st century and this lovely example from 1977 will delight all connoisseurs of the Daytona.

  • 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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839

Ref. 6263
A rare and extremely well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “sigma” dial and presentation box

Circa 1977
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$660,000 - 990,000 
€72,000-108,000
$84,600-127,000

Sold for HK$1,375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020