SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER COSMOGRAPH, DAYTONA, REF. 6263, CASE NO. 8'547'983, MANUFACTURED IN 1984

With original Rolex Guarantee dated 5 November 1985 and Rolex fitted green presentation box.

Reference 6263 reaches the final stage of its development, nearing the end of its distinguished career. One can well imagine the frantic activity in the Rolex research and development department at the time. All their efforts are focused on studying and developing the automatic chronograph that, a few years later, would inherit the name of the famous American racetrack, an important and auspicious legacy. Let us focus for a moment on the craftsmanship of this time-capsule created after 20 years of development and offered in pristine condition. The 727 Valjoux based caliber, in its final form represents the pinnacle of Rolex's technical efforts which demonstrates the driving force that is at the heart of their manually wound chronographs. This example even displays the progressive numbering. The case is exquisitely third generation, modern in its thicker proportions but still echoing the legacy of its predecessors. Some details are clues to the great efforts invested by the research and development team into its final design. For example, the last generation pushers, the Triplock winding crown, and the crystal angled to better withstand damage. This is indeed a museum-quality, scholarly piece.

The black background layout affords this chronograph an attractive alternation of blacks and whites; the white counters against the black background, the black plastic insert framed by the bright edges of the steel track. The red Daytona designation is the only concession to colour, sparkling above the central register.

This watch comes complete with its box and papers as well as its original unworn Rolex hologram sticker. Rolex introduces this anti-counterfeit mechanism in the mid-1980s. At a time when Rolex watches are becoming increasingly desirable, the risk of counterfeits becomes more significant.

As mentioned in the notes of the previous lot, the sales kit for this piece indicates that these two watches were purchased together. Given their pristine condition, it is safe to assume they were treasured possessions of a Rolex enthusiast and were kept together for 28 years. Who knows, maybe a passionate collector will allow this pair to remain together for years to come.