Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1971 Reference No: 6263 Case No: 3’048’154 Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Sigma Dial” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 7835 18, end links stamped 271, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.70 Dimensions: 37mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 3 July 1976, stamped Orologeria Luigi Verga, Milano, original sales receipt date 3 July, 1976 from Orologeria Luigi Verga, green leather presentation box, green wallet, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona reference 6263 was in production, along with its sibling metal-bezel reference 6265, since the late 1960s until 1987. The final evolution of the manually-wound Daytona line, the model is considered by many to be the most representative and iconic of the Cosmograph collection, incorporating all the details which made the Daytona a masterpiece of design: bezel with black insert bearing a tachymeter scale, screw-down pushers, and the unmistakable Rolex Oyster case.
The present example from 1971 is a rare and early variant, with an elegant and attractive "Sigma’" dial. The "T Swiss T" signature at 6 o'clock is flanked by the Greek symbol Sigma, denoting the markers and hands are made of white gold. Research indicates the "Sigma" notation appeared on Rolex dials in the early 1970s, following the issue of a set of guidelines by APRIOR (Association pour la promotion industrielle de l’or: Association for the industrial promotion of gold). Such guidelines indeed suggested (but it was not compulsory, hence not all dials with gold bear the sigma) to add the Greek letter sigma to the dial of watches bearing gold details (such as the markers, in this case). Possibly due to the cryptic nature of this designation, it was abandoned after a few years.
In overall outstanding condition with a crisp case and well-preserved dial, the present Daytona with sigma dial is offered with both its guarantee and original sales invoice dated 3 July 1976. Originally sold by Orologeria Luigi Verga, Milano, the watch is further accompanied by its presentation box, and is a top-quality example with black dial and silver sub dials, which contrast perfectly with the outer black bezel insert.
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.
Ref. 6263 A highly attractive and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with sigma dial, bracelet, guarantee, original sale invoice, and presentation box
1971 37mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
