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T he Rolex Daytona Panda has consistently been a collector's favourite, in part because the many examples available offer a consistent design aesthetic - the white face with black sub-dials - but offer a huge range of design nuances, stories and the like. In this guide we have curated a selection that provide an insight into this revered Rolex Daytona variant, focusing on rare examples that saw a strong following at auction.
This Rolex Daytona Reference 6265, known as the Alpine Cross, was sold for 317,500 CHF in May 2024. A unique and elusive piece, this model is one of only four known examples. The Swiss cross logo on the case back, surrounded by a knotted rope, linked this model to the Swiss Foundation of Alpine Research. This fourth watch was consigned by the Fuez family, instrumental in founding the Alpine Research foundation and therefore adding significant historical value. The watch was gifted by Ernst Feuz to his brother Walter, who kept it until his passing in 2000. The pristine condition of this Rolex Daytona watch, combined with its association with the 1952 Everest expedition, made it a coveted item.
This Rolex Daytona fell within the 2.8 million serial range, with the last three digits engraved inside the case back. Its rarity and direct connection to the foundation that commissioned it made this a standout piece. While the full story of the Alpine Cross Daytonas remains a mystery, this watch has added another piece to the puzzle as a significant and historical artifact in the world of luxury sports watches.
The Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 16520 was sold in April 2022 for 1,197,000 HKD. The model was a significant model in the history of the Rolex Daytona collection, marking the transition from manually wound movements to automatic calibers in 1988. The transition to automatic calibers was based on the renowned Zenith El Primero caliber. Its groundbreaking role in Rolex history along with the addition of sapphire crystal, redesigned chronograph registers, and a larger case, set this model apart from its predecessors and marked a new era for the Rolex Daytona series.
One of the most distinctive features of this Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 16520 was its porcelain dial, characterized by a milky, glossy surface that added a unique aesthetic appeal. The serif fonts on the dial created a shadow effect and gave the appearance of floating above the dial, enhancing its aesthetic charm. This particular example also featured the rare Mk I dial, with the Cosmograph line placed below the other four lines on the dial and an inverted 6 above the 6 o'clock mark. The pristine condition of this watch, combined with its rare dial configuration, made it a standout piece in the history of Rolex Daytona Panda watches and a highly coveted item among collectors.
The Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6263 was sold in May 2023 for 82,550 CHF. Also known as the Big Red, this model exemplified the evolution of the Rolex Daytona series. Introduced in 1969, the model retained the classic acrylic tachymeter bezel seen on earlier references such as the Rolex Daytona Reference 6241. However, the Rolex Daytona Reference 6263 was enhanced with screw-down waterproof pushers and a crown, replacing the pump chronograph pushers found on earlier models like the 6239 and 6241. Inside, it was powered by the Valjoux 727 caliber, an evolution from the earlier 722-1 movement, offering increased precision with a higher vibration rate.
This particular example featured a 37.5 mm stainless steel case and was accompanied by a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. The watch came with its original box, guarantee, instruction manual, and an invoice, adding to its desirability among collectors. The Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6263’s notable enhancements and historical significance marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Rolex Daytona Panda and continued to be a favorite among enthusiasts.
The above Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6263 was sold in September 2022 for 81,900 EUR. The Sigma Dial was another significant model in the lineage of hand-wound Rolex Daytona watches. Produced between 1969 and 1988, this reference was distinguished by its black acrylic bezel in contrast to the stainless steel bezel found on the Rolex Daytona Reference 6265. The Sigma Dial, identified by the Greek letter sigma σ at 6 o'clock, denoted the use of gold parts in the dial and made it a highly sought-after feature among collectors.
This particular example was preserved in excellent condition with its original matching bezel, pushers, and a 78350 bracelet with 571 endlinks. The watch was accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee and presentation case, further enhancing its appeal. Offered on behalf of an important private collector, this Rolex Daytona Panda 6263 with the Sigma Dial represented a rare variant of the vintage Rolex Daytona models and was considered a prime example of Rolex watch craftsmanship during this era.
The Rolex Daytona Panda Reference 6240 was sold in March 2023 for 69,850 EU. Known as the Small Daytona, this model marked a significant shift in the Rolex Daytona series. Introduced in the mid-1960s, it was the first Rolex Daytona watch to incorporate screw-down pushers, making it the first true waterproof Cosmograph model produced by Rolex. Manufactured exclusively in stainless steel, this Rolex Daytona model featured an acrylic tachometer bezel calibrated to 200. Early examples were distinguished by the absence of the Oyster designation on the dial, as Rolex was still using non-Oyster dials from the Rolex Daytona Reference 6239 model for some of the early 6240 references.
This example remained in the family of its original owner until it was offered at auction. Fresh to the market at time of auction, it was accompanied by its original Rolex Guarantee that added to its collectible appeal. The Reference 6240's role in transitioning from pump to screw-down pushers made it a particularly important and collectible model, marking an essential chapter in the history of the Rolex Daytona Panda.
These Rolex Daytona Panda watches, each with its unique characteristics and history, point to the fascinating nuances that collector's prize. From the iconic "Big Red" to the rare "Sigma Dial", and the historically significant "Small Daytona", these models represented pivotal moments in the evolution of the Rolex Daytona series. Their rarity, provenance, and distinctive features ensured their place as cherished pieces in the world of Rolex watch collecting.
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