Rolex

• cal. 727 manual winding movement, 17 jewels • black dial, applied baton indexes, engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, luminescent hands • stainless steel Oyster case, black tachymeter bezel calibrated to 200 units, screw-down crown, chronograph pushers and back stamped 6265 • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Movement running at the time of cataloguing and chronograph functioning. The dial and hands in good condition, the luminescent dots and hands glowing briefly after exposure to ultra-violet light. Dial marked 'σ T SWISS T σ' to denote the use of gold. This particular watch, while a reference 6263, is actually stamped 6265 to the inside case back. This is a feature commonly found and due to the fact that both references were produced simultaneously. The case with scuffs and scratches throughout, consistent with age and wear. Also with signs of polishing, the case back with scuffs and scratches. The bezel with signs of wear around 60, 80 - 90 and 160 - 180. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The reference 6263 began production in the early 1970s alongside its sister reference, the 6265. The former with a black acrylic bezel and the latter with a stainless steel bezel.

Superseding references 6262 and 6264, and following the success of the experimental 6240, the 6263 and 6265 models are further distinguished from their preceding references by the introduction of larger, screw-down chronograph pushers and winding crown, the addition of 'Oyster' signed to the dial. The introduction of these attributes marked the standard for all future references and are still utilised on Daytona models to this day.

An interesting and sought after feature can be found to the base of the dial beneath six. On the present lot, where one would usually expect to find T Swiss T, we see instead the addition of the Greek letter sigma; σ T SWISS T σ.  Although the exact dates are yet to be defined these, 'Sigma' dials were most likely introduced from 1970 onwards and used to denote the use of gold parts to the dial - in this instance, the indexes.    

This watch is presented at auction for the first time having been kept in the family on the original owner.