Rolex - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 5’582’922
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78350, 19”, endlinks stamped “571”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VC”
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped K.K. Nagatoya, Tokyo dated 22nd February 1980, green wallet, instruction manual, product literature, service invoice dated 5th December 2003, original price tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This example is special for its exceptionally well-preserved condition with the coveted black "Big Red" dial. The "Big Red" Daytona designation started to appear in 1975 and continued all the way to 1988 when the reference was finally discontinued. Extremely sought-after, the red text gave rise to a striking contrast against the black background and attracted a huge following. The popularity of the red text has since continued into the automatic caliber era until today.

    Not only the dial is in excellent condition with all the luminous dots along the outer ring intact and matching the hands, the overall tone of the registers has shown honest signs of aging, adding to its vintage appeal. Furthermore, the case is in pristine condition with thick lugs and original proportions, while the bezel also remains nice and intact, contributing to the overall excellent state of preservation.

    The complete set of accessories accompanying this 6263 is equally impressive. It includes the original punched guarantee stamped by K.K. Nagatoya, a small authorized dealer located in Taitō City, the heart of Tokyo. The original price tag of 380,000 Yen from 1980 is also present, along with a service invoice from 2003, the original fitted presentation box with a "6263/0" label on the side, and even a 30% off service coupon from 2003. This comprehensive provenance and documentation further enhance the value and desirability of this exceptional vintage 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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Ref. 6263
An extremely well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1978
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$620,000 - 1,200,000 
€71,500-138,000
$79,500-154,000

Sold for HK$1,270,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November