Rolex
1979 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6263) Silver "Big Red" Dial
The Rolex Daytona Ref 6263 AKA the “Big Red” is arguably one of the most sought after vintage Rolex Daytona's in the Rolex Cosmography line up. The ref 6263 "Big Red" is iconic, timeless, & eye-catching when worn on the wrist.
First introduced in 1963 the Rolex Daytona has always been in demand. Designed with professional racecar drivers in mind, the Daytona’s precision chronograph and tachymeter bezel allowed drivers to accurately measure speeds up to 400 kilometers or miles per hour. The release of the Daytona came just after Rolex had become the official timekeeper of the Daytona racetrack and the name evolved as a way for the brand to highlight their connection to the celebrated race.
This specific 1979 example of the “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6263 is downright stunning the silver dial with the offset crisp black matte subdials sets the tone for the watch’s appearance. The watch really pops due to the three black sub-dials on the silver dial and iconic red “Daytona” insignia adorned above the lower center subdial at the 6 o'clock position. The black bezel insert is in wonderful condition and frames the dial perfectly which adds to the pieces overall legibility while being worn on the wrist.
We love the vintage Cosmograph range of due to the fact that they have a high level of contrast which is something the modern Rolex Daytona range of timepieces has lost due to the completely monochromatic look of the dials found on today modern reference range.
| Stock # | RLXDT6263-79/3 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Daytona | |
| Model | 6263 | |
| Serial | 62XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Strap | Oyster |
CASE & BRACELET
The thick case has been previously lightly polished showing very light wear from use. The screw down "trip-lock" crown and pushers are original to the piece and are the later variant which is correct for this era of 6263 Daytona. The bezel exhibits some light wear but remains in overall excellent vintage condition. The Rolex Oyster 78350 bracelet with 571 end pieces has been lightly polished, showing light wear, and exhibits some stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The excellent silver "Big Red" Daytona dial with contrasting black sub-dials is absolutely stunning. The trapezoidal stick markers are free of corrosion and add to the charming, era-specific, look and feel. Under U.V. light inspection, the lume plots all remain intact but exhibit light degradation throughout. The original tritium hands match the patina and coloration of the lume plots and show no lume loss or degradation when inspected under U.V. light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was just completely overhauled and is running at COSC spec.