CIRCA: 1984
CASE MATERIAL: Steel
CASE DIAMETER: 37mm
SERIAL NO’: 8600717
BRACELET MATERIAL: Steel
BRACELET SIZE:
DIAL: Black with White Subdials
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
ACCESSORIES: Rolex Presentation Box, Product Literature

This lot is offered without reserve.

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Lot Essay

Aside from the Rolex “Paul Newman” dial found in a handful of references, the Rolex Daytona “Big Red” reference 6263 and 6265 are absolutely among the most recognizable and iconic vintage Rolex Cosmograph and Rolex Daytona references.

Introduced in the late 1960’s, reference 6263 and 6265 are identical aside from their bezels; the former with a black acrylic insert set in a fixed steel bezel and the later with a fixed solid steel engraved bezel. Reference 6263 and 6265 incorporated a number of upgrades over the previous Cosmograph references, including the movement, as well as enhanced waterproof capabilities with the introduction of screw down pushers.

In the 1970’s Rolex introduced a new dial configuration for reference 6263 and 6265 known today among collectors as the “BIG RED”, so called for the red printing of the word “Daytona” above the 6 o’clock register. The present example is a 6263 “Big Red” from 1984 with original box and booklets, coming direct from the family of the original owner. Vintage Rolex watches in all original and untouched condition are increasingly difficult to find, but to find an example of an iconic reference in all original and exceptional condition is indeed a rare occurrence. With its original factory finish case and wonderful deep black bezel framing an extraordinary black dial with fully intact and deep patina high domed luminous plots and perfectly matching luminous hands, this watch exemplifies everything a vintage Rolex connoisseur hopes to find along their collecting journey.

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Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The present lot is offered in superb overall condition. The dial is clean with light signs of age starting to develop. The lume plots react strongly when shown with a UV light and the hands to a lesser degree. The patina from the lume plots and hands appear uniform. The 9 o clock register hand is starting to show signs of age and is starting to oxidize throughout. The case is in superb overall condition with very light signs of wear on the sides of the case. There is a nick at the 7 o clock lug. The bracelet is in superb overall condition with signs of wear consistent with the case. The clasp is in superb overall condition with signs of wear consistent with the bracelet and case. The chronograph function starts, stops, and resets at the time of cataloguing. The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch.

1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor.

2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the terms and conditions.

We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.

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