Rolex 6263 Big Red Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex 6263 Big Red Daytona in astonishing condition. The Rolex Daytona might be the most popular sports model by Rolex, its actually their only chronograph model and it all started 60 years ago with the introduction of the original Rolex Daytona. One of the most popular versions of the early Daytona’s is the Rolex 6263 Big Red. This model has screw down pushers, a bakelite black bezel and the writing of Daytona is in red, therefore it has the nickname Rolex 6263 Big red.

The Rolex 6263 Big red came in two versions, a black and a silver dial. Furthermore early models where featured with a sigma dial while later examples have the regular ‘T Swiss T’ writing. Important to understand is that the Daytona was continuously developed. Dating back to the mid 1980’s this was the latest version of the Daytona featuring mk3 pushers and the 701 trip lock winding crown. This was the first and only manual wound Daytona waterproof till 100 meters, the earlier versions with the mk2 pusher where water resistent till 50 meter only.

The Rolex 6263 big red Daytona

This particular example of the rolex 6263 has been preserved in extremely well preserved and original condition. No parts of the watch have been changed, the dial remains in mint condition and the case shows minor signs of wearing and / or polishing. It is very difficult to find a Rolex 6263 big red Daytona in a similar condition. The black dial remains in perfect condition, as well as the subdials and hands. It shows a little loss of tritium on the 3 and 6′ o clock which is very common for this type of dial and most often restored. To find one unrestored like this one is exceptional. The Rolex Daytona became immense popular and well known when the watch given to Paul Newman was sold at auction for 16 million dollar. Less known is the 6263 big red Paul Newman has worn himself, this watch has been sold in 2020 for 5.5 million dollar and has the exact same specifications as the watch we offer for sale. So if you want to be like Paul, this is the real deal. Have a look at it here.

The movement

Till the millennium when the Rolex Daytona 116520 was introduced Rolex was not using in house movements for their Daytona. The current 4130 movement has been fully developed in-house at Rolex, the previous movement (caliber 4030) used in the Daytona from 1987 till circa 1999 was using a modified Zenith caliber. All manual wound Daytona watches are powered by a Valjoux 72 movement, finished by Rolex till the highest possible standards. The Rolex big red Daytona uses a high-beat version of the valjoux 72 movement which is referred to as the caliber 727 by Rolex. The last series of the Daytona have an individual serial number on the movement as well, referring to the chronometer certification issued on the watch movement.

60th year anniversary of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Today the 60th anniversary is being celebrated for the famous Rolex Daytona. Introduced in 1963 the Daytona has not always been in demand, it has become a popular watch after certain movie stars like Paul Newman start wearing the Daytona Cosmograph. Ever before, the rolex Daytona was most popular with race car drivers together with other chronograph watches from brands as Heuer, Movado and many others. Its highly conceivable Rolex will introduce or bring an updated version of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona this year.

Watch details

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph
Ref 6263
Big Red tritium dial
year circa 1984
serial 764.xxxx
1 year full guarantee

About Vintage Times

at Vintage Times you will find luxurious timepieces from the past, besides the usual brands I focus on extremely rare and beautiful watches from forgotten or less known brands. Vintage Times is a one men shop, all watches are carefully procured and checked by myself and I only buy watches I like. Condition, rarity and elegance are the key of my collection and this Rolex Daytona 6263 from the mid 1980’s checkes all the boxes for me. Don’t hesitate to get in touch when your are looking for another watch or have a nice vintage Rolex watch for sale.

Price on request

Vintage Times Amsterdam
+316 41 11 044
[email protected]

Other watches

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are for a specific Daytona watch. At vintage times we are specialized in vintage Daytona timepieces and some watches can be sourced within our network of specialists, private collectors and auctions houses. At the moment we have one other Daytona 6263 big red in stock with a beautiful silver cream dial which you can find here.