Rolex
1978 Rolex Daytona 18K YG (Ref. 6265) Champagne Dial W/ Box, Papers, & Original Sales Receipt
Rolex first introduced the Cosmograph in 1963 in steel, 14k, and 18k yellow gold with a design that was solely focused on automobile racing. The Units Per Hour bezel allowed for the tracking and measuring of average speed and lap times, making for a truly useful tool for racing drivers in the 20th century. Rolex, being the same marketing powerhouse back then as they are today, knew the American market would be their most effective demographic as racing in America was on the rise in the 60s-70s. Effectively, in 1964, the Rolex Cosmograph was branded “Daytona” after the famous race, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the rest is history.
The Daytona saw its first major update in late 1969 when Rolex decided to bring its Oyster technology to the Cosmograph. Accompanying the "Oyster" text on the dial, the case crown was upgraded to a 7mm trip-lock crown, and the most significant upgrade was the introduction of the screw-down chronograph pushers, which is a function we still see today in the modern Daytona offering from Rolex. While the case size of this new model was the same as its predecessor at 36mm, the larger crown and more robust pushers greatly increase the watch's wrist presence.
Vintage Rolex Daytonas now sit firmly at the pinnacle of serious watch collecting, with yellow gold examples representing the most refined expression of the model. Melding precious watchmaking with purposeful, utilitarian design, this seemingly unlikely combination is executed with remarkable balance and restraint—an achievement that continues to captivate the most discerning collectors. Produced in extremely limited numbers and surviving in far smaller quantities today, truly original examples are exceedingly rare. The watch presented here stands apart, preserved in exceptional condition and accompanied by remarkable, time-capsule accessories, including its original box, papers, Mayor’s sales receipt, and original Mayor’s appraisal dated 1981 at the time of purchase.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXDT626518K-2 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Daytona | |
| Model | 6265 | |
| Serial | 54XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Champagne W/ Black Sub-Dials | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 7205 18K YG Oyster-Rivet Bracelet W/ 71 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent 18K yellow gold case displays strong dimensions throughout, showing thick and symmetrical lugs, with minimal evidence of being previously polished and signs of gentle use present. The 18K yellow gold "Units Per Hour" bezel is also in superb condition, exhibiting only light wear and only minor loss to the black enamel inlay. The case and bezel have achieved a warm, rosy patina, enhancing the overall vintage charm of the watch. The case retains its original yellow gold Rolex trip-lock crown and yellow gold Mk II screw-down pushers. The case back remains in excellent condition with nominal wear present. The original Rolex 7205 18K yellow gold Oyster rivet bracelet with 71 end pieces retains 12 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original champagne sunburst dial with matte black sub-dials is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no scratches, marks, or notable signs of age on the dial or sub-dials. The tritium lume plots are all present, though some minor degradation is present in some of the plots when inspected under UV light, and feature an excellent creamy patina. The original tritium yellow gold hands are in wonderful condition and have aged slightly darker than the dial, with no degradation present when inspected under UV light.
ACCESSORIES
The watch is a complete set, accompanied by its original inner and outer boxes, booklets, Rolex guarantee paper, original Mayor's sales receipt, and original Mayor's appraisal. The service history is unknown and is ready for service. The service can be provided upon request at the time of service.