Rolex - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1987
    Reference No: 6263
    Movement No: 6488
    Case No: R328713
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 71, max. length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee, product literature, wallet, fitted presentation box, outer packaging, and hangtag.
    Literature: A similar example of a yellow gold reference 6263 is illustrated in Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 444 and 447.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The evolution of the Cosmograph Daytona is legendary. Over its 60-plus year life span, it has become an icon amongst chronographs for its strong masculine case, and classic sporty style. The references 6263 and 6265 were introduced into the market in 1970, as an upgrade to the 6240, the first Daytona to feature screw down pushers. It is believed only 100 examples of both references in yellow gold were made each year, thus over its nearly 20 year run, only a very limited number were produced. The present yellow gold reference 6263 Daytona is in exceptional “new old stock” condition, retaining its original and extremely sharp factory finishing throughout. The case back even retains its original green factory sticker. The unworn case and bracelet have developed a pleasing, rainbow-toned tarnish, further enhancing its character and underlying its great quality. With a coveted R-serial number, it was manufactured at the very end of the reference 6263's production in 1987, immediately preceding the launch of Rolex’s first self-winding Daytona. Extremely attractive with timeless style, it comes complete with its original punched guarantee, booklets, and presentation box. A time capsule in to Rolex’s past, it’s a rare opportunity for the discerning connoisseur.

  • 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 attractive and exceptionally preserved 18k gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, punched guarantee and fitted presentation box.

1987
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
37.5mm diameter

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF77,900-156,000
€68,200-136,000
HK$625,000-1,250,000

Sold for $200,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017