112nd Auction

2025/5/10

Lot 72

Rolex
Big Red Daytona

A highly attractive vintage Rolex "cult" watch with panda dial and hand-written certificate

Sold

estimated
60.00085.000 €
Price realized
75.000 €
specific features
Case
Steel, original Rolex service screw back with marking "CRS" only, screwed "Triplock" winding crown, screwed chronograph pushers, black bezel with tachy scale (MKII), very good "Oyster" steel bracelet ref. 78350/19, 7/6 bracelet elements, endlinks stamped 571, clasp G (1982), total length 190 mm.
Dial
Silvered, sunburst finish, applied indexes with luminous dots, luminous baton hands.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.6705276
Ref.6263
Cal.727
Diam.37 mm
Circa1981
Ctry.Switzerland


Some timepieces are much sought-after, others are just immortal. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 "Big Red" definitely belongs to the latter – a timepiece, which not only made history, but is part of history itself. The watch takes its name from the distinctive red "DAYTONA" lettering above 6 o’clock on the dial, which is a detail that takes collectors’ hearts by storm. However, the fascination exuded by this timepiece does not stop with the iconic signature. The steel case with screwed pushers, the black acrylic bezel and the perfectly proportioned panda dial make it one of the most sought-after chronographs worldwide. The clear design of the dial does not only guarantee excellent readability – after all the Cosmograph Daytona was first and foremost a watch for racing drivers – but also emanates prestige and perfection.
The silvered panda dial of this "Big Red" is in perfect condition; it features a magnificent sunburst pattern, reflecting the light in a magnificent shimmer. All luminous dots are present, the hands are perfect. The contrasting black auxiliary dials match the black tachy bezel perfectly to complete this masterpiece. This exclusive timepiece is powered by the manual Valjoux 727 calibre – a mechanical masterpiece, which does not only promise accuracy but also fills this timekeeper with life.
Reference 6263 and its sister reference 6265 with a metal bezel were both launched in 1971 to replace the first Oyster Cosmograph model, reference 6240. The stainless-steel model with screwed pushers was produced for almost 20 years – until it was discontinued and replaced by the first automatic Cosmograph Daytona, reference 16520.
This "Big Red" is more than just a timekeeper – it is a statement. A symbol of success, passion and the courage to go one’s own way; not only fit to grace the wrist of a collector, but that of a visionary, someone who appreciates that true quality is forever.