Rolex Reference 6263 ‘Big Red’ Daytona | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1973 | 勞力士 型號 6263 ‘Big Red’ Daytona 精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶，製作年份約 1973

Rolex

Reference 6263 ‘Big Red’ Daytona
A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1973

勞力士 型號 6263 ‘Big Red’ Daytona
精鋼計時鍊帶腕錶，製作年份約 1973

Dial: silvered
Caliber: cal. Valjoux 727 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 3'720'219
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster folded bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 37.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 190 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging, International Guarantee dated February 12, 1975, leather bi-fold, hang tag, and booklet

Condition Report:
Case: The case is in overall very good condition with previous signs of polishing. The bracelet with visible surface wear and scuffing throughout. Inside case back stamped '6263'. The bracelet is stamped ' 7835 19', end links stamped '271', and clasp stamped '2 71'.

Dial: The dial is in overall very good condition. The plots have likely been relumed. Service hands.

Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

Catalogue Note:
The reference 6265 and 6263 exemplifies the evolution of the Rolex Daytona. Introduced in 1969, the reference retained the classic acrylic tachymeter bezel inset originally seen on the references 6241, and is enhanced with screw-down waterproof pushers and crown as opposed to the earlier pump chronograph pushers also found on the reference 6239 & 6241.

Inside, the 6263 is 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.

The present lot is exceedingly well preserved with clean silvered dial, contrasting black sub registers and bold red ‘Daytona’ text above the sub register at 6, exceptionally well proportioned case and lugs and offers collectors a wonderful opportunity to acquire such an attractive Daytona model complete with its original inner and outer boxes and papers, instruction booklet and hangtag.