Rolex - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 6263
    Case No: 5'847'094
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” “Tiffany & Co.”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Oyster bracelet, reference 78350/19, end links stamped 571, max. length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex stainless steel deployant clasp, stamped 78350
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most coveted vintage timepieces of the current era is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red”, as it even became the basis for the design of the extremely coveted modern Daytona, the reference 116520 with ceramic bezel. Perfectly proportioned for daily wrist wear and with a dramatic splash of red text over the hour counter, its simple and elegant yet casual design has captivated seasoned and beginner watch collectors alike. References 6263 (the present watch) and 6265 (its metal-bezel sibling) were both launched in 1969, replacing the first Oyster Cosmograph model, reference 6240. The stainless steel model with screwdown pushers was in production for almost 20 years, a lifespan outlasting the early pump-pusher variations by a considerable length.

    Increasing the rarity and importance of this example is the prestigious “Tiffany & Co.” retailer signature, with its matching inventory number visible on the reverse
    of the lower right lug. Rolex and Tiffany’s relationship began in the 1950s and continued for about four decades until Rolex tightened its control over supply. Keen eyed collectors will observe this example bears early Mark II screw-down pushers, in keeping with the 1978 production date of the watch, enhancing a watch that is already in wonderfully preserved condition with its highly coveted double-signed dial.

  • 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 rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silver dial and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1978
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF79,700-159,000
€72,600-145,000
HK$626,000-1,250,000

Sold for $125,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019