ROLEX | A RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTER AND BRACELETREF 6263 CASE 3031299 DAYTONA CIRCA 1971

Movement: cal. 727 manual winding lever, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, black bezel calibrated to 200 units screw-down crown, pushers and backDial: black, applied baton indexes and luminescent dotsBracelet/clasp/buckle: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding claspDiameter: 37mm, bracelet circumference approx. 175mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: presentation case

CASE:The case has been polished and has some service marks in the case back.There are Rolex XXX service marks to the inside case back. There is a later bracelet (numbered 78350 and end links 571) the clasp ( number 783450) is very tight. DIAL: the dial is clean and quite crisp overall with some gentle ageing to the lume dots and hands, which remain intact. MOVEMENT: though untested, the watch chronograph runs and resets when buttons are depressed but haven't been tested. The watch has not been tested to determine 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."

The reference 6263 began production in the early 1970s alongside its sister reference, the 6265. The former with a black acrylic bezel, as in this instance, and the latter with a stainless steel bezel.

They are regarded as the ultimate evolution of the vintage Daytona models. Superseding references 6262 and 6264, and following the success of the experimental 6240, the 6263 and 6265 models are further distinguished from their preceding references by the introduction of larger, screw-down chronograph pushers and winding crown and the addition of 'Oyster' signed to the dial. The introduction of these attributes marked the standard for all future references and are still utilised on Daytona models to this day. The present piece impresses with the remarkable condition of its dial. Beautifully aged, it is a superb example of the early configuration with no 'sigma' nor 'big red' indication. 

Furthermore, it is accompanied by its presentation case.