Important Watches: Part I
Important Watches: Part I
Daytona, Reference 6265 | A 14k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1978
Auction Closed
November 10, 01:01 PM GMT
Estimate
90,000 - 175,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: black, champagne
Calibre: cal. 727 manual winding, 17 jewels
Movement number: 1’485
Case: 14k yellow gold, screw-down case back
Case number: 5’126’705
Closure: 14k yellow gold Rolex USA Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex Guarantee
The reference 6265 and 6263 exemplify the evolution of the Rolex Daytona. Introduced in 1969, the reference 6265 retained the classic metal tachymeter bezel originally seen on the references 6239, and was enhanced with a waterproof ‘Oyster’ case, screw-down waterproof pushers and crown as opposed to the earlier pump chronograph pushers also found on the reference 6239 and 6241. In addition, the 6265 is fitted with the famous caliber Valjoux 727, which was an evolution from the caliber 722-1 present on some 6239, 6241 and 6240 models. To further enhance its performance, Rolex replaced the balance to increase the precision by increasing vibrations from 18,000 to 21,000. This movement with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” demarcation on the dial to celebrate the advancement brought by the improved 727 Caliber was eventually replaced by the automatic ‘Zenith’ chronograph caliber 4030 in 1988.
The current example in a rare 14k yellow gold case comes accompanied by its original Guarantee making the watch a unique opportunity to acquire a much coveted reference.