ROLEX | DAYTONA, REFERENCE 6265 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1971

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown, pushers and back, personalised engraving to the backCase number: 2'788'789Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 37mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee dated 3 July 1972 and presentation case

DIAL: the luminescent dots at 5 and 6 o'clock are gone but the residue still present, the other luminescent dots are intact. Some oxidization visible on the minute and hour hands. Light pitting of the black colour on the hands of the subdials. Otherwise in very good condition Bracelet: ref. 7835, 19 / 271 end links CASE: some scratching to the lugs from previous strap removals, but overall in good condition. case retains strong proportions with minor signs of polishing. caseback is engraved 'Sutherland J. Madeiros' MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets to zero Non-original inner presentation case pillow and cloth. 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."

The production of the references 6263 and the 6265 started in 1969. This piece is characteristic of the early production: the dial is without sigma signs at 6 o'clock or big red Daytona above the subsidiary dial for hour register present on the later production. This watch is overall in very appealing condition as it still has its original screw-down pushers, Mark I bezel, 7835 bracelet with 271 endlinks and the case still retains good proportions.  These references stayed in production until 1987 and were the last Daytona references powered by a manual-wound chronograph movement. These references were fitted with the famous caliber Valjoux 727, which was an evolution from the caliber 722-1 present on some 6239, 6241 and 6240. To further enhance its performance, Rolex replaced the balance to increase the precision by increasing vibrations from 18,000 to 21,000. This movement was eventually replaced by the automatic ‘Zenith’ chronograph caliber 4030 in 1988.

This is the very first time that this watch has appeared on the market since it was  bought by its only owner on 3 July 1972. The watch comes with the original Rolex Guarantee stamped by a retailer in Bermuda. 

Passionate about the marine world, the original owner used his watch while crossing the seas, taking part in regattas and yachting, as pictured.