Released in 1969, the ref. 6263 together with the ref. 6265 marks an end of the era for the manually-wound Cosmograph Daytona models. Introduced as an upgrade from the ref. 6240 featuring a screwed-down pusher, the ref. 6263 features essentially the same attributes, however powered by an upgraded cal. 727. In production until 1988, throughout its course of production it is estimated that around 24,000 examples of the refs. 6263 and 6265 were encased in steel with only 2,400 examples encased in gold, making gold examples of the refs. 6263 and 6265 extremely rare.
With an ever growing interest for vintage Daytona’s, collectors today seek for quality and rare examples of the coveted timepiece and over the years yellow gold examples have had a significant increase in both value and demand. During the period, yellow gold examples were produced in both 18K and 14K gold, with 14K gold made to cater towards the American market, such as the present example. During this period, Rolex modified the dial layout for gold versions, and the "Officially Certified Chronometer" designation was printed on the dial. Furthermore, the period also witnessed an additional movement number stamped next to the caliber number below the balance wheel signifying the movement to be chronometer certified.
The present example Rolex Oyster Cosmograph ref. 6263 in 14K yellow gold with a 3.9 million serial from circa 1975 is a stunning example to behold. Boasting an attractive overall case with a well-preserved black bezel insert and a nice and clean dial, the present timepiece also features a beautiful 14K yellow gold Jubilee bracelet with a Rolex USA 14K gold clasp.
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.
