112nd Auction
2025/5/10
Lot 71
RolexSmall Red Daytona
A highly attractive Rolex vintage "cult" timekeeper with rare reverse panda dial, early Small Red Daytona
The Small Red Daytona is a true horological icon. A legendary chronograph with a long and fascinating history. Reference 6265 dating from 1971 with reverse panda dial is one of the most highly sought-after vintage chronographs ever.
Reference 6265 comes in a robust 37 mm stainless steel case and features a distinctive engraved steel bezel with tachymeter scale – different to its sister 6263, which comes with an acrylic bezel - which lends reference 6265 its powerful sporty look. The typical screw-pushers do not only enhance this model’s water resistance but also give the watch its distinctive appearance which is so loved by all Rolex Daytona fans.
The obvious highlight of this watch, however, is the rare reverse panda dial, which is one of the most coveted dial versions ever - a jet-black dial with contrasting white subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. This colour scheme does not only guarantee enhanced readability, but also makes the watch particularly beautiful and desirable.
The dial of this 6265 is in almost perfect condition with a lovely patina despite some slight impurities. All the luminous dots are present, the hands are exquisite. The case is in very good condition. It is one of the early steel cases and shows, as does the bezel show only few slight age-appropriate signs of wear. Inside runs the manual-wound calibre Valjoux 727. Dial and hands have a tritium coat and have acquired a beautiful patina. The movement starts immediately, we nevertheless recommend a service, as the silver coil is still present.
The Rolex Small Red Daytona 6265 dating from 1971 with reverse panda dial is one of the most iconic vintage Daytonas. The classic, robust design and the history of the watch make it one of the most coveted models among collectors and lovers of fine historical chronographs.