View full screen - View 1 of Lot 74. Daytona 'Big Red', Reference 6265 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1979.

Rolex

Daytona 'Big Red', Reference 6265 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1979

Auction Closed

November 10, 01:01 PM GMT

Estimate

60,000 - 120,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back

Case number: 6'223'594

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Rolex Guarantee, Oyster booklet, document holder and presentation case

In 1971, Rolex refreshed their chronograph range with a series of upgrades which modernised the design and made the watch much more suitable for its intended use in sports. Famously, the Daytona line started out as a commercial failure, and subsequent efforts by the brand as well as popular culture influences really helped to propel four digit Daytona models into the stardom in which they exist today.


A fuller and thicker Oyster case, screw-down pushers and larger Oyster crown, as well as an improved movement all contributed to making the new reference 6263/65 a watch that was meant to last, and indeed today these watches are more popular and relevant than perhaps they ever were. 


The present watch is presented in attractive condition and features the instantly recognisable and desirable silvered 'Big Red' dial. These dials are not only eye-catching and sporty, but also help to differentiate original dials from service dials, which feature a much smaller Daytona script which is also known as the 'Little Red'. This lot presents collectors with the opportunity to own an icon of vintage Rolex collecting and one of the most coveted Daytona configurations on the market.