Introduction
Sitting within the pantheon of greats, the Rolex Daytona is a legendary watch that every watch lover can admire. With its long history, a lengthy list of famous wearers, and an array of intricacies, the Daytona has become the most sought-after timepiece the Genevan Giants have offered. Releasing the first generation Daytona in 1963, this legendary watch was made famous by the iconic actor and racecar driver Paul Newman following some years of obscurity. Among the long list of Daytona references we have today, the first generation four-digit references are the most desirable, with the ref. 6263 we have here residing as one of the best-known. Released in 1971 and produced until 1988 alongside the ref. 6265, the ref. 6263 was the last of the manually wound Daytona references to be equipped with a Valjoux movement. One of the last four-digit references to be produced, the ref. 6263 has all of the desirable traits that vintage Daytona collectors look for. Featuring screw-down chronograph pushers that modernize its aesthetic with a screw-down caseback and a black acrylic bezel insert, the ref. 6263 merges the modern Cerachrom bezel Daytona with a rich vintage aesthetic to create a timepiece that delights those who wear it.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$150,000 – $200,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
37.5mm x 13mm
Model
Daytona
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux cal. 727
Reference
6263
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold Oyster bracelet
Year
1978
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne

THE DIAL
Boasting a golden dial with nicely aged tritium hour markers, this ref. 6263's display creates a wonderfully cohesive aesthetic when combined with the 18kt yellow gold construction that surrounds it.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of 18kt yellow gold and boasting a black acrylic bezel and screw-down pushers, the ref. 6263 boasts a rather similar aesthetic to the modern precious metal Daytona references, however with subtle vintage details that take a knowledgeable eye to find.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case has some light scratches and marks commensurate with a watch of this vintage and shows signs of previous polishing. The hallmarks remain legible. The original non-grooved pushers are present with some light nicks on the ends, as does the Trip-Lock crown. The bezel is excellent, with minor marks and some minor delamination on the black tachymeter insert. The champagne dial is excellent, with crisp text and all lume plots intact. The yellow gold hands are very clean, with light patina visible on the sub-seconds hand. The yellow gold rivet Oyster bracelet with 71 end pieces has some light notching and moderate play between the links. The bracelet currently fits an 8" wrist and has 13 links.
Our Perspective
One of the most universally beloved vintage Daytona variants out there, the ref. 6263 showcases the very best of Rolex's timeless designs through its ability to remain so relevant to this day.















