Rolex

• cal. 727 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono metallic balance • matte black dial, applied faceted baton indexes with luminescent dots, yellow gold Obélisque hands, gilt engine turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour registers, gilt minute and 1/5 second divisions • 18k yellow gold Oyster case, black acrylic bezel calibrated for 200 units, screw down pushers, crown and solid case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold later Rolex bracelet

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, 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. Case in excellent condition with light wear. Case back with Rolex manufacture label marked 6263. Bracelet with some very light surface wear. Clasp with red protective adhesive applied to the underside. Bezel and crystal in excellent condition. Dial in excellent condition with some very light surface markings. Dial relumed. Luminescent dot at 3 with loss. Luminescent dot at 9 with some very small loss and oxidation. Hands with some wear and scuffs. Chronograph function working properly. Movement in excellent condition. Please note that Rolex confirms that the bracelet was later purchased in 2011. The clasp and links are vintage, and end links are made later. The inside case back appears to have drops, suggesting that the case back may have been refilled to erase a marking or engraving previously present. A manufacture's adhesive is apparent to the case back, as such, Sotheby's cannot fully condition the covered areas.
"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."

Accompanied by a Rolex Guarantee, a One Year Service Warranty dated January 9th, 1995, an International Service Guarantee dated October 6th, 2011, and a Rolex service statement dated January 24th, 2011. Also with a Rolex document confirming the purchase of the present 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet, on October 6th, 2011. Together with one additional 18k yellow gold Rolex buckle, booklets, sales tags, service tags, two service boxes, three polishing clothes, one pouch, one bi fold, and a presentation box with outer packaging.

The Rolex Cosmograph has become one of the most iconic sporting watches of all time. Replacing the 6262 model in 1971, the 6263 was given its own distinctive look with the addition of a black acrylic insert to its bezel and waterproof screw down crown and chronograph pushers. 

The present lot is available in excellent condition with an original bezel insert, and crisp case hallmarks. The dial is preserved with superior clarity and impeccable definition to the signatures, the deepness of registers, the outer tracking and even the luminescent dots above the indexes. 

It has been owned by the same family for two generations, and Sotheby's is pleased to offer it for the first time at auction. This is a rare opportunity to own such an exceptional example of the reference 6263 in yellow gold.