ROLEX | DAYTONA BIG RED, REFERENCE 6265 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1982

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels  Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown, pushers and back Case number: 7'426'491  Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp  Dimensions: 37mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex guarantee dated December, 1983 and presentation case with outer packaging

DIAL: dial and hands in very good condition. With one mark to the 3 o'clock register, at the 20 minute mark. All lume plots are present, the 9 o'clock plot is mostly gone yet reacts well under UV light. Hands and lume plots are matching under UV light. The plexiglass bears scarce scratches which do not obstruct the dial view. CASE: in good condition with signs of previous polishing, retaining good proportions. The case bears light scuffing throughout, mainly to the band of the top right pusher and to the case band at 9 o'clock. The pushers are later. The bezel insert displays some minor denting to its profile at 9 o'clock and at the 57 mark. There is a slight loss of ink to some graduations. Three small scuffs to the edge of the case back from previous attempts to open it. Bracelet: ref. 78350, endlinks stamped 557. Bracelet bears some light scuffs and a reasonable amount of stretch. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets. Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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."

While many things have been said already about the Daytona 6265 and its importance in the chronograph history of Rolex, the discovery of a particularly beautiful specimen can never be overstated. Finding an example such as the present lot which has been well preserved with its original box and papers provokes unparalleled excitement.

Originally purchased at the famous retailer Bucherer in December 1983, the watch is adorned by an appealing 'Big red' black dial in excellent condition. The black surface does not have any marks or blemishes and contrasts nicely with the silvered subsidiary dials. The serifs on the Arabic indexes and the literature are clear and easy to discern. The faceted indexes are in excellent condition and the original luminescent plots match  the hands perfectly under UV light. The deep red Daytona creates a nice bold contrast and adds a sporty element to the dial.  Furthermore, the original bezel retains a sharp edge and the case still has good proportions.

Part of an important private collection for many years, this piece is an attractive example of the iconic reference.