6263, Daytona, Tropical Dial, Steel

The 6263 is the final manual Daytona, alongside its steel bezel counterpart the 6265. And this is one of the greatest tropical 6263 dials you’ll see. 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 silver soleil dial is an iteration for purists. It is a distilled Daytona without the signature above 6, no sigmas, and low signature at 12. Far more remarkable, its subdials have turned an even, magnificent warm brown tone over the years. It is a fully tropical, fully restrained 6263. 

While non-Daytona and Daytona dials were sold side by side for a period, eventually ‘Daytona’ found its way back onto the dial permanently within the 6263 reference. This dial predates that shift. Daytona is made by its details, which here include not just an outstandingly sharp case, but honey tritium, P301 pushers, perfect original bezel, 701 crown, and a tight 7835/271. As if a cherry on top were needed, it even survives with its full set. Apart from the details, the obvious star of this example is the patina. While the central soleil finish has warmed slightly, the subdials have entered a different universe of palette. In overcast scattered light, they masquerade as a normal 6263. In bright sun, they come alive in true caramel tone. We’ve tried to capture both attitudes here. This example fully captures the magnificent evolution these dials can undertake with age.

The 6263 represents many different things to collectors and enthusiast. To some, it is the culmination of manual Daytona: Valjoux 727, screw-down pusher only, and 37mm. To others, it is a tool that made golden-era endurance racing possible and inarguably the watch of motorsport. To us, it is the foundation of the Oyster pusher Daytona and one of the most aesthetically perfect watches ever made. Of all 6263 configurations, this is the most discrete. Yet, as it has aged far more gracefully than most examples in both case and dial. Put simply, it is one of the most attractive Daytonas we’ve seen.

This 6263 presents in remarkably excellent condition. Beginning with the case, its edges are very proud and defined. We believe the case is untouched. The case serial dates to the 4.13M range. Inner caseback signed 6265 which is correct for this era of 6263. Further, its dial is perfectly composed. The print is clear and unmarred, with all tritium pips present in a deep tan tone. The pips and handset match perfectly under UV, both a deep tan honey-tone. The tropical subdials are even and beautifully chocolate. Its soleil finish has a light yellowing which adds warmth and is commensurate with the way its subdials have aged. The calibre 727 is running well in specification on our timing equipment with all chronograph functions operating perfectly. The 7835/271 bracelet is undated as was normal between 1973 and 1975. It comes with its full original set, including Inner & Outer Box, Guarantee Certificate, 'Your Rolex' Booklet, Leather Folio, and Service Calendar.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.