ROLEX | Daytona, Ref 6263 A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet 1978

ROLEX

Daytona, Ref 6263

A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet Circa 1978

Dial: silver

Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels

Case: stainless steel, acrylic bezel, screw-down back

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 165 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

The reference 6263 is the last version of the Rolex Daytona made with a manual-winding Valjoux movement and is one of the most desirable vintage Daytona models due to its aggressive look featuring screw-down pushers to increase water resistance (and that garner the watch the "Oyster" designation on the dial indicating enhanced water resistance) and the black acrylic bezel featuring a tachymeter track for measuring speed on a fixed course. Paul Newman actually owned a watch very similar to this that was a gift from his wife Joanne after he gave his other Daytona (a reference 6239) to his daughter Nell's then-boyfriend James Cox. That reference 6239 sold for $17.7 million while his Big Red reference 6263 is still worn and loved by his other daughter Clea.