As one of the first sponsors of motor races, such as “24 Hours at Daytona”, Rolex has been passionately involved in the world of automobiles since 1959. After four successful years of profound research, the Swiss manufacturer launched their emblematic chronograph in 1963. The Cosmograph Daytona was named in tribute to the home of the famed tournaments that takes place on the eponymous Floridian beach.
The ref. 6263 was conceived in 1969. Boasting a distinct and exotic dial, also known as the “Paul Newman”, this rare breed of Rolex Daytonas are arguably one of the most sought-after vintage chronographs among the Rolex circles. Named after a man of many talents, and most importantly, an avid competitive racer, the dial was designed with registers that display distinctly squared indexes and visibly bold Art Deco numerals that optimises the dial’s legibility for racers. A rare sight to behold, the Paul Newman ref. 6263 usually either features a “Oyster Sotto” dial formed by a the black background, white registers and red outer track trinity, or a “Panda” dial. The nickname “Panda” was coined by the collectors thanks to its unmistakable monochromatic complexion. Sporting a white dial and black sub-registers, this holy grail wristwatch evidently resembles the attractive, rare and protected animal. Much like artists born ahead of their time, the present reference was only produced in limited quantities as they had yet to enjoy the popularity they have now conjured, back in the 70s. Many retailers had Paul Newmans sitting in stock years beyond its production and as such, the model is far rarer in comparison to its non-Paul Newman siblings.
The Daytona ref. 6263 at hand features a highly desirable MK II dial, flaunting the coveted sharp serifs of the “Oyster Cosmograph” line and is complete by a patinated outer track that has aged beautifully through the ravages of time. Interestingly, while the ref. 6263 is engraved between the lugs, the ref. 6262 is inscribed on the case back which was usual at the time.
Offered in an excellent overall condition, the present example is coupled by a pair of MK I screw-down push buttons and is further paired with a black plastic bezel and a bracelet stamped for the first half of 1971. Discontinued in 1987, the opportunity to capture one of these distinct watches is as rare as the pandas itself. Not only is the present timepiece is a collector’s dream, but is also a true testament of time, and will certainly make the strongest of impressions.
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.