Why This Watch Matters Any 6263 Daytona is worth a long look but this early "pre-Sigma" dial variant is hitting all the right notes for us. The Full Story The Rolex Daytona has reached legendary status in the watch collecting world and is widely considered to be one of the most desirable watches in existence, regardless of being vintage or contemporary. It all started in 1963 when Rolex debuted the ref. 6239. The so-called "Cosmograph" was a chronograph with a tachymeter on the bezel and was originally marketed toward drivers. Fun Fact: Rolex actually referred to this model as the "Le Mans" in early advertisements before it became the official timekeeper of Daytona International Speedway in Florida. In 1971, the last of the manually-wound Daytonas references were announced with the 6263 and ref. 6265, the difference between the two being the 6263's black acrylic bezel and the 6265's steel (or gold) bezel. These two references carried the Oyster-cased chronograph through the 1970s and into the 1980s with the last examples seen in cases dating to around 1988. The "Cosmograph" we have here dates to 1972, early in the 6263 run. This is evident by the lack of Sigma symbols on the dial below the six o'clock sub-register; this particular dial variant is uncommon even within the realm of Daytona dial variants. The resulting look is super clean with excellent proportions all around. Worthy of note here is this watch's case serial range being within that of a known "Paul Newman" exotic dial batch. This speaks to the honestness and originality of the watch as it has survived now 50 years without a Newman dial magically appearing inside the case. The lume on each hour marker is full and has aged to an even, matching, custard-colored patina. On the dial surface, the matte black finish is very pronounced, showing little to no spots or flaws. The sub-registers have taken on a slight patina that both gives warmth to the look while not sacrificing a stark contrast against the black dial. Of course, it is always great to have an Oyster bracelet as well – this one dates to a case-matching 1972.The Daytona also has retained its original "Mark 1" black bezel featuring "hooked 2s" which is paramount for this reference. This bezel alone carries substantial value. A correct early ref. 6263 should be fitted with a "Mark 1" bezel yet because they are acrylic and decades old, damage, dings, and cracks are regular. Therefore, original bezels are replaced and slowly dwindling over the years. Our example proudly sports a correct "Mark 1" that is free of any major damage – a condition note we must stress. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: DaytonaReference: 6263Year: 1972Case No: 3048448Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 37mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, manually-wound, caliber 727Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, solid link Oyster ref. 7835 bracelet with 257 end links (Approximate max wrist size 7.75in / 197mm)Lug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Early "non-Sigma" dial variant- Correct "Mark 1" "Hooked 2" bezel- Date matching Rolex Oyster bracelet Things To Know: - Service replacement pushers- Hour hand color corrected This Daytona is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case is very strong with some scratches and appears to have been lightly polished. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks from the bracelet being removed. The numbers are clearly visible between both sets of lugs; between the lugs shows some wear. The dial is in excellent condition with a very light patina. The sub-registers have a very warm and even patina with no drag marks or scratches to note. The lume on the hands and dial have developed a patina that is matching in color and the luminous material has remained full. The lume in the hour hand has been color corrected. The plots at most of the hour markers are full with little signs of degradation. The plots at three, four, eight, and nine o'clock show clear signs of degradation although have little material loss. The original "Mark 1" bezel has remained crisp with some scratches and light nicks on the edges. The watch is fitted with Rolex service replacement screw-down pushers as is evident by the outer ridge. The inside caseback is stamped with "6262," which is commonly seen on early examples of this reference. The bracelet currently on the watch is in good condition with some scratches and marks. The clasp is marked "1 72" indicating it was made in the first quarter of 1972 and matches the case serial perfectly. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Related
Related
Related
Related