Rolex

1983 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6263) Silver "Big Red"

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.

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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 #
RLXDT6263-83/2
Brand Rolex
Style Daytona
Model 6263 
Serial 76XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Silver "Big Red"
Millimeters 36
Strap Rolex Oyster 78350 Bracelet W/ 571 end Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The strong case retains sharp and even lugs, showing little wear from use. The black acrylic bezel insert is original to this watch and remains in perfect condition. The Roles signed "trip-lock" crown and screw down pushers are original to the piece and are the later variant, which is correct for this era of 6263 Daytona. 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 silver "Big Red" Daytona dial with contrasting black sub-dials is absolutely stunning, there is a small mark underneath the left side of the hand stack. The trapezoidal stick markers are free of corrosion and add to the charming, era-specific, look and feel. The original tritium lume plots all remain intact and have taken on a nice creamy yellow coloration, under U.V. light inspection some of the markers show light degradation. The tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the hour hands remain fully intact and the minute hand exhibits light degradation.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is running at COSC spec, previous service history is unknown.