Rolex
1983 Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6263) Silver "Big Red" Dial
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.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXDT6263-83/3 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Daytona | |
| Model | 6263 | |
| Serial | 76XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver "Big Red" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 78350 Oyster Bracelet W/ 571 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive case retains very thick and symmetrical lugs, exhibiting light evidence of being previously polished, with light signs of use. The Mk. III bezel is excellent, with no cracks or notable wear present. The Mk. III screw-down pushers are original to the watch. The era-correct Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 571 end pieces dates to 1985 and retains 12 links that show nominal stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original silver sunburst "Big Red" Daytona dial remains well-preserved, minimally aged, and quite presentable. Showing a small mark just right of the hand stack and some very subtle aging along the outer edge of the dial, but otherwise remaining in very well-preserved condition. The tritium lume plots feature an eggshell patina, and all remain intact when inspected under UV light, though most of the plots exhibit some level of degradation. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly; the minute hand does exhibit some lume plots under UV light inspection, while the hour hand shows no degradation.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, though the service history is unknown. A movement service and be purchased upon request.