ROLEX | 'BIG RED' DAYTONA , REF 6263STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1979

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels  Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 6'056'641 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 175 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none 

DIAL: dial and hands in very good condition. All lume plots are fully present with the exception of the slightly incomplete plots at 3 and 9 o'clock. All plots react similarly to the hands under UV light. There are some minor losses of white paint to the arbour of the sub-registers, visible under magnification. CASE: in good condition with signs of previous polishing. The case displays scarce minor surface scratches throughout. Serials and reference are still highly legible between the lugs. The bezel insert is in very good condition with no dents or scratches. The pushers have been replaced during a service. Bracelet: clasp stamped J3 - 78350 with 571 endlinks. The bracelet displays a slight amount of stretch and bears some scratches to the outer-clasp. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets. The chronograph does not instantly jump back at 12 when reset, a service is recommended. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

The Rolex Daytona refs. 6263 and 6265 represent the end of the manually-wound Daytona era as they were produced between 1970 and 1987 and discontinued in favour of the first automatic Daytona the following year. In fact, these collectible timepieces were retailed simultaneously and can be easily differentiated by their bezel: while both references would have screw-down pushers, the 6263 was fitted with a black Bakelite insert while the 6265 would bear a metallic bezel matching the stainless steel and gold case. The present stainless-steel Rolex Daytona 6263 was manufactured in 1979 and is offered in excellent overall condition. The timepiece bears the last generation of dials for this reference, displaying the “Rolex Oyster Chronograph” script closer to the coronet. The ‘Daytona’ lettering is furthermore displayed above the 6 o’clock sub-register in a thick red font, conferring such an example with the ‘Big Red’ nickname. The period-correct Mark III bezel further completes this attractive chronograph.

This Rolex Daytona 6263 is powered by the last manually-wound chronograph movement ever made by Rolex, namely the calibre 727, making this clean and honest lot an attractive opportunity to own the last old-school Daytona.