Sigma Dial 6263 Rolex Daytona

The 6263 is the final manual Daytona, alongside its steel bezel counterpart the 6265. While not the first Daytona and not the first to have screw-down pushers, it was the first reference to fully cement the use of both with the Rolex Oyster Cosmograph or ROC signature. It also introduced COSC certification in the gold variants. Over a remarkable 17 years from 1971-1987, many dial variants appeared. This is sigma dial, so named for the sigmas that sit outside its T Swiss T. And it's about as discreet as Daytonas get, save for maybe the solo. 

Introduced in the early 1970s, these were the product of a Swiss gold industry lobbying effort which was a agreed by the large Swiss houses, a quiet declaration that hour markers and handset were fashioned from solid gold—even if the rest of the watch screamed steel utility. It's almost ironic on a sparse 6263. But who knew that luxurious nod would come to define the Daytona. The sigma dial doesn't shout like a PN, doesn't have the early millerighe pushers, and doesn't entail the kind of rarity of the above mentioned solo. But it is exceptional manual Daytona. And that's enough. Plus, French film star and professional cool-guy Jean-Paul Belmondo wore this exact variant, however that nickname has yet to really make it outside of France. 

Ultimately, the sigma dial 6263 Daytona is not about the usual Daytona stuff. It's not about rarity, it's not about huge values, it's very much the ribeye and potatoes of Daytona, just the basics done well. And while PN will always be kind, a great many collectors come back to this or similar layouts once the big game hunting has been accomplished. Simplicity is beautiful, and it's somehow charming that this early manual 10 nods to what the Daytona would eventually become. 

This example checks out well from what's pictured. The dial shows only light patina, largely in the pips, which is lovely. The case is magnificent, and assuming that the edges are original, which can't be seen from afar, it's absolutely delightful. There's a mild discoloration on bezel, but that's quite common and normal. It comes from a well-regarded French retailer.