View full screen - View 1 of Lot 106. Reference 6263 Daytona | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1978 | The Hammer Collection.

The Hammer Collection

Rolex

Reference 6263 Daytona | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1978 | The Hammer Collection

Auction Closed

December 7, 07:12 PM GMT

Estimate

100,000 - 200,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Dial: champagne

Caliber: cal. 727 mechanical, 17 jewels

Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back 

Case number: 5'465'492

Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet with folding clasp 

Size: 37.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 160 mm 

Signed: case, dial and movement 

Box: no

Papers: no

The reference 6263, and its companion the 6265, were introduced in the late 1960s as an evolution of the 6262 and 6264. They retained the option of having either an acrylic or metal bezel, but added extra water protection by having screw down pushers for the chronograph after having been successfully tested on the elusive 6240. The model, housed with a Valjoux 727 movement, continued to be offered in stainless steel and gold until 1988. They are the ultimate evolution of the manual winding Rolex Daytona.

 

The gold versions of the reference 6263 were the first serially produced chronographs that were officially certified with the COSC. With the certification came the addition of the 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' inscription on the dial. The Reference 6263, thanks to its timeless design and the quality of its components, is rightly considered as a masterpiece of horology and a must-have in any serious collection. However, yellow gold are versions even more sought-after as they are much rarer than their steel counterpart. The contrast between the black parts and the gold creates a striking effect, providing even further charisma to the timepiece.

 

The present example from 1978 is offered in excellent overall condition from one of the most discerning collectors of our lifetime.