Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona reference 6265 was introduced to the market in approximately 1969 and ceased production in the late 1980s. The model features screw down pushers and thus carries an "Oyster" designation on the dial. It is powered by caliber 727, a Rolex upgrade of the Valjoux caliber 72 and the final evolution of this movement (following cal. 72A, 72B, 722, and 722-1). From the late 1980s, with reference 16520, Rolex started to employ a self-winding, Zenith El Primero- based movement in the Cosmograph.
This highly exceptional reference 6265 displays all the features one looks for in a Cosmograph Daytona. Preserved in beautiful condition, it bears the coveted “Big Red” Daytona dial. The dial is immaculate with barely any signs of wear present and all luminous markers are present and intact, perfectly matching the hands. Appearing for the first time at auction, it comes complete with all of its original accessories, including its original guarantee certificate. It is a highly wearable and timeless example for those looking for an iconic Cosmograph Daytona.
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.