ROLEX | DAYTONA REFERENCE 6265 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELETCIRCA 1972

Dial: silvered, tropicalCalibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down crown, pushers and backCase number: 3'287'100Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and integrated folding claspDimensions: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

DIAL: stains of droplets throughout the dial. Register dials have taken a brownish patina, lighter in the centre. Dents and scuffs on the hands. CASE: Scuffs and dents throughout. Case shows signs of previous polishing. Engraved at the back "Shirley of Las Vegas To George Hill My Pilot". Bracelet: numbered K5 78350 19, end links numbered 571. Scuffs and dents throughout. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts
"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 6265 is one of the most attractive Rolex Daytona models with its unique blend of timeless proportions and sporty spirit enhanced by its screw-down pushers. This lot from around 1972 is part of the early production with no Daytona mentioned on the dial. This rare omission can usually only be found at the beginning of the 6239 era (with the difference of the 'Oyster' mentioned on the 6265).
Nonetheless, the most striking and remarkable characteristic of this piece is the exceptional tropical dial. The three subsidiary dials have turned from black to a most attractive brown gradation, making this watch unique. In addition to the rarity, it gives the piece even more character and an undeniable appealing charm. Preserved by a private European family, this chronograph was originally in the US where it was gifted by a lady to 'her' pilot. The case back of the watch bears a touching engraving implying the romantic provenance: "Shirley from Las Vegas to George Hill My pilot". Later in the 1970's, the watch was acquired in New York and has reminded since then within the same private hands.