Rolex

The present lot is an exceptionally preserved New Old Stock example of the coveted 6263, with intact case back factory sticker, untouched bezel, and gorgeous dial. Named ‘Big Red’ affectionately by collectors, it earned its nickname from the prominent red DAYTONA text above the sub-dial at 6 o’clock. A classic and instantly recognizable variation of the 6263, it was offered in either black, as in the present example, or silvered, both with contrasting sub-dials. 

The current 6263 offered with its full suite of accessories including its original hangtags presents a wonderful opportunity for vintage Rolex connoisseurs to add another crowning jewel to their collection. 

When one thinks of the quintessential motorsports watch, the Rolex Daytona immediately comes to mind. Designed to meet the exacting needs of motor racing professionals and launched in 1963, the Daytona has captured the imagination and aspirations of collectors all over the world ever since.

The Reference 6263 was produced from 1969 to around 1988, alongside its sister reference the 6265. The two are distinguished by their bezels: the 6263 is fitted with a black acrylic insert, while the 6265 is solid stainless steel.

Possessing all the iconic timelessness of vintage Daytona models, the 6263 is notable for its larger, screw-down pushers and crown equipping it with more water resistance—an evolution from earlier Daytonas, such as the 6239 and 6241, and the ‘Pre-Daytona’ reference 6238, which were equipped with pump pushers.

The 6263 is also among the last manually wound Daytona references to house a Valjoux movement—specifically, the caliber 727. The caliber 727 operated at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, a notable increase from the 18,000 vibrations per hour of previous generations. In 1988, the manual Valjoux movements were replaced by the automatic Zenith caliber 4030, concluding 25 years of Valjoux powered Daytonas.