The Daytona references 6263 and 6265 were launched in 1969, succeeded the outgoing 6240, the first Oyster Cosmograph model. Thanks to the redesigned screw down buttons and crown, these models were now guaranteed water resistant for up to 50 meters. Additionally, the model introduced an updated movement, the caliber 727.
The first batch, from which the present watch is a premium example, are fitted with Mark 1, “millerighe” pushers, easily recognizable due to their finer reeding and less prominent ridging. As an early example of the reference 6263, it fittingly bears the inside caseback engraving of the earlier reference 6262, a common practice for Rolex at the time.
Visually arresting, the dial has turned the rich dark brown tone of espresso beans, free from signs of aging. It retains its original certificate dated May of 1973, hang tag with the serial number stamped on it, box, and other accessories. The much later sale date is further proof of the humble demand at the time for these Daytona models.
Purchased at our very first Geneva Watch Auction held in 2015, it has been treasured as part of the “Ride the Wave” collection since. As one of the first ever water resistant to 50 meter Rolex Daytonas produced, it was a lynchpin in his collection.
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.