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Lot Essay
With original Rolex Guarantee stamped by an Italian retailer, but without serial number mentioned.
Rolex manufactures around 228,000 watches in 1977, with serial numbers between 4.259.999 and 4.275.000, and between 5.084.000 and 5.431.000.
This 18k gold 6263 is part of this production. Ref. 6263 and 6265 have been manufactured for nearly 20 years, during which an estimated 24,000 pieces in steel are created, and only 2,000 in gold. The gold versions, with some early rare exceptions, bear the COSC certified chronometer designation on the dial.
Created in 1973, the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) is a non-profit organization founded by five Swiss cantons, i.e. Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Soleure and Vaud, with its headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It delivers the 'chronometer' certification of each watch sent to its laboratories that reaches the required standard. The performance of each movement is monitored for 15 days in 5 positions and at different temperatures. This means that the certification is not granted to a certain model or series, but to each individual timepiece.
Once again Rolex creates a limited series in solid gold, in 14k and 18k, timepieces for their most affluent clients. The chronograph is thus transformed from a measuring tool to a true status symbol for the few lucky ones able to purchase it.
This particular piece is a wonderful example of the aesthetic balance achieved through years of experimenting. All the features are in their final form and the finishing of the chromatic layout is precise and balanced. This timepiece is anything but ordinary. There are two clear reasons why this watch, with its serial number close to 5 million, is superior to similar models. The first is its pristine condition which placed it on the pages of Ultimate Rolex Daytona (pp. 444- 447). The second is the old Rolex sticker still partially present on its back. It is the apparent sign of a never polished watch which gives it immense added value.
Rolex manufactures around 228,000 watches in 1977, with serial numbers between 4.259.999 and 4.275.000, and between 5.084.000 and 5.431.000.
This 18k gold 6263 is part of this production. Ref. 6263 and 6265 have been manufactured for nearly 20 years, during which an estimated 24,000 pieces in steel are created, and only 2,000 in gold. The gold versions, with some early rare exceptions, bear the COSC certified chronometer designation on the dial.
Created in 1973, the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) is a non-profit organization founded by five Swiss cantons, i.e. Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Soleure and Vaud, with its headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It delivers the 'chronometer' certification of each watch sent to its laboratories that reaches the required standard. The performance of each movement is monitored for 15 days in 5 positions and at different temperatures. This means that the certification is not granted to a certain model or series, but to each individual timepiece.
Once again Rolex creates a limited series in solid gold, in 14k and 18k, timepieces for their most affluent clients. The chronograph is thus transformed from a measuring tool to a true status symbol for the few lucky ones able to purchase it.
This particular piece is a wonderful example of the aesthetic balance achieved through years of experimenting. All the features are in their final form and the finishing of the chromatic layout is precise and balanced. This timepiece is anything but ordinary. There are two clear reasons why this watch, with its serial number close to 5 million, is superior to similar models. The first is its pristine condition which placed it on the pages of Ultimate Rolex Daytona (pp. 444- 447). The second is the old Rolex sticker still partially present on its back. It is the apparent sign of a never polished watch which gives it immense added value.