112nd Auction

2025/5/10

Lot 71

Rolex
Small Red Daytona

A highly attractive Rolex vintage "cult" timekeeper with rare reverse panda dial, early Small Red Daytona

estimated
55.00070.000 €
Price realized
-
specific features
Case
Steel, screw back with marking 6262, screwed "Triplock" winding crown, screwed service chronograph pushers (MKII), steel bezel with tachy scale, well preserved folded steel "Oyster" bracelet ref. 7835/19, endlinks stamped 357, clasp dated 2/72, total length 170 mm.
Dial
Black, applied white gold indexes with luminous tritium dots, luminous tritium baton hands.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.2874271
Ref.6265
Cal.727
Diam.37 mm
Circa1971
Ctry.Switzerland


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.