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Lot 20
ROLEX, DAYTONA,”BIG RED", CHRONOGRAPH, STEEL, REF. 6263
Closed10 December 2021
Price Realised
USD 112,500
More Information
Specialist note
Aside from the Rolex “Paul Newman” dial found in a handful of references, the Rolex Daytona “Big Red” reference 6263 and 6265 are absolutely among the most recognizable and iconic vintage Rolex Cosmograph and Rolex Daytona references.
Introduced in the late 1960’s, reference 6263 and 6265 are identical aside from their bezels; the former with a black acrylic insert set in a fixed steel bezel and the later with a fixed solid steel engraved bezel. Reference 6263 and 6265 incorporated a number of upgrades over the previous Cosmograph references, including the movement, as well as enhanced waterproof capabilities with the introduction of screw down pushers.
In the 1970’s Rolex introduced a new dial configuration for reference 6263 and 6265 known today among collectors as the “BIG RED”, so called for the red printing of the word “Daytona” above the 6 o’clock register. The present example is a 6263 “Big Red” from 1984 with original box and booklets, coming direct from the family of the original owner. Vintage Rolex watches in all original and untouched condition are increasingly difficult to find, but to find an example of an iconic reference in all original and exceptional condition is indeed a rare occurrence. With its original factory finish case and wonderful deep black bezel framing an extraordinary black dial with fully intact and deep patina high domed luminous plots and perfectly matching luminous hands, this watch exemplifies everything a vintage Rolex connoisseur hopes to find along their collecting journey.
Introduced in the late 1960’s, reference 6263 and 6265 are identical aside from their bezels; the former with a black acrylic insert set in a fixed steel bezel and the later with a fixed solid steel engraved bezel. Reference 6263 and 6265 incorporated a number of upgrades over the previous Cosmograph references, including the movement, as well as enhanced waterproof capabilities with the introduction of screw down pushers.
In the 1970’s Rolex introduced a new dial configuration for reference 6263 and 6265 known today among collectors as the “BIG RED”, so called for the red printing of the word “Daytona” above the 6 o’clock register. The present example is a 6263 “Big Red” from 1984 with original box and booklets, coming direct from the family of the original owner. Vintage Rolex watches in all original and untouched condition are increasingly difficult to find, but to find an example of an iconic reference in all original and exceptional condition is indeed a rare occurrence. With its original factory finish case and wonderful deep black bezel framing an extraordinary black dial with fully intact and deep patina high domed luminous plots and perfectly matching luminous hands, this watch exemplifies everything a vintage Rolex connoisseur hopes to find along their collecting journey.