ROLEX | 'BIG RED' DAYTONA, REF 6265STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1978

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewelsMovement number: 6472Case: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 5’582’570Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 37mm, bracelet circumference approx. 170mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex guarantee and presentation case

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Chronograph functioning. CASE: In very good overall condition. With only some light polishing. Minor surface wear to the case, the numbers between the lugs are very crisp. The case back with crisp milled edge, the case back is a service replacement and does not have the reference number stamped inside the back. The bracelet slightly stretched with scuffs and wear throughout. DIAL: in very good condition. Some small dark spotting throughout the subsidiary dials. The lumes react well under UV.
"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 following lots, 249 and 250, represent two different executions of the Rolex Daytona reference 6265. Launched in 1971, it stayed in production until its discontinuation around 1988. It was the last manual-wound Daytona reference manufactured, together with its sister reference 6263, before it was replaced by the automatic 'Zenith' Daytona. 

What differentiates the 6265 from its sister reference 6263 is the bezel. The 6265 is fitted with a solid stainless steel or gold bezel while the 6263 features a black acrylic bezel insert. 

The present reference 6265 has been retained in excellent overall condition with well-preserved case proportions and lugs still showing their original satin finishes. The present watch features a dial known by Rolex connoisseurs as the “Big Red”. This relates to the Daytona signature above the subsidiary dial at 6 o'clock.