At the beginning of the 1970s, Rolex presented two new chronograph references 6263 and 6265, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph ref. 6240. In production for 17 years until the end of 1987, the Cosmograph Daytona adopted the use of screw-down pushers to improve the waterproofing mechanism range from 50 to 100 meters. Available in stainless steel and gold with two-toned dial combination, the references were fitted with a bezel with black insert for the 6263, and a metal only bezel on the 6265 like the present lot.
Distinguished by its polished steel bezel with a monochromatic silver dial with striking black sub-registers, the present specimen from 1975 bears a designation that is extremely desirable amongst collectors when it comes to vintage timepieces of the 1970s, the Sigma dial. Sitting subtly at the bottom the sigma signs “σ T SWISS T σ”, these mark denotes that the markers are crafted in precious gold, emphasizing the value and high quality of Swiss watchmaking.
Extremely well-preserved, the present Sigma variant bears all period correct elements such as the 200-units bezel, “78350” Oyster bracelet and “571” endlinks. Stunningly attractive, the lume plots have also developed a warm patina with an elegant vintage appeal.
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.
