The reference 6263 was produced approximately between 1971 and 1987, and took on a second-generation aesthetic when being compared to earlier vintage Daytona references that were fitted with the pump-style pushers, rather than the screw-down chronograph pushers displayed here. Offering greater water resistance (and now displaying “Oyster” on the dial) as well as, in our opinion, taking on a more aesthetically-pleasing look, all 6263’s were fitted and powered by the famous manual-wind Valjoux Calibre 727 chronograph movement. There really is something incredibly satisfying about a manual-wind, chronograph sports watch. The contrasting black bezel seen on 6263’s was a further fan favourite when looking at references prior, which displayed a stainless steel bezel, and it is no doubt that the currently-offered 116500LN within Rolex’s up-to-date catalogue took a huge amount of inspiration from this very reference. The 6263 Daytona is amongst the most valuable and desirable of all vintage Daytona references, especially given the fact that it was the final iteration of manual-wound Daytonas. Shortly after the end of the 6263, we were given automatic, larger, and sapphire-crystal Daytonas - all which are great attributes, but do not offer the same charm as the epic reference that is 6263.

Condition Report:

Looking firstly at the bezel of the watch, the current example retains its original and increasingly rare Mk 1 bezel. The acrylic nature of the bezels themselves makes them easy to damage, and in some cases - chipping. As seen from the pictures, the bezel is in outstanding condition, especially given its age, and it retains its deep black colouring which matches the dial so well. Speaking of the dial, this 6263 is fitted with a Mk 2 dial. Not only does this dial not display “DAYTONA” anywhere on it, it’s the dial text at the bottom which separates this example from “normal 6263’s”. Most non-Daytona 6263 wristwatches have what is called a “Sigma Dial”, which is indicated by the sigma logos either side of the Swiss Made at the bottom of the dial, indicating the use of precious metals for the hour markers and hands. However, this particular example showcases “T-SWISS-T”, and is known as a “Non-Sigma 6263”. Sitting visibly on the special dial are all of the original lume plots, perfectly intact, which have aged over time to a gorgeous pumpkin colour. Its hands are entirely original, signified by the perfectly-matching colour of lume within the hands to the lume plots surrounding the dial.

• Year: 1974

• Reference: 6263

• Size: 37.5mm

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet

• Movement: Manual Wind Chronograph Valjoux cal 727

• Water Resistant: 50m

• Box: Era-Correct Box

• Papers: No Rolex Papers