ROLEX Lot n° 29

A stainless steel manual winding chronograph by Rolex, circa 1972 With a presentation case from the period, and a Rolex service warranty card The Rolex Daytona models known as “Big Red” under the two references 6263 and 6265 are among the most recognizable and iconic vintage Rolex Cosmograph and Rolex Daytona references. Introduced in the late 1960s, references 6263 and 6265 are identical with the exception of their bezels, the former with a black acrylic insert set in a fixed steel bezel, and the latter with an engraved fixed steel bezel, like our example. References 6263 and 6265 incorporate a number of improvements over previous Cosmograph references, including the 3-position adjusted caliber, as well as the water-resistance capabilities with the introduction of screwed pushers. In the 1970s, Rolex introduced a new dial configuration for the 6263 and 6265 references, known today among collectors as the “BIG RED”. It’s so called because of the bolder red print of the word “Daytona” above the counter at 6 o'clock. Our example has remained the same family from the outset. The two pushers have been replaced, which is a conservative service on this model during a Rolex after-sales service on this model. The patina is homogeneous.