1983 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 'Big Red' Silver Unpolished with Box and Papers

The value of manually-wound vintage Daytonas has remained consistent throughout the last decade, even during bear markets. A watch that was rejected by many after its debut and over the following years is now the most appreciated asset of the Swiss manufacturer.

 

Chances of finding a pristine example in all original condition are very low, as collectors and investors are aware of rarity and always in the lookout for these rarely seen opportunities.

 

Produced from 1971 until 1987, the Rolex Daytona Reference 6265 was born together with the 6263, its bakelite sibling. They represented the evolution of the 6262 and 6264, now with the addition of screw-down crown and pushers, and an Oyster case to improve waterproofness.

 

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 “Big Red” is arguably one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex Daytona's in the Rolex Cosmograph lineup. It’s iconic, elegant, sporty and very eye-catching when it is worn on the wrist. The nickname comes from the oversized “DAYTONA” label above the 6 o’clock subdial. It’s not just that the word is printed in red, though; it’s that the font is larger on these vintage models compared with later dials, even in the 6265 family.

 

For anyone who loves vintage Rolex watches, and especially Daytonas, it’s hard to beat the Big Red Ref. 6265. The look and feel embodies what most of us look for in a decades-old sports watch. With its big winding crown and bold “Daytona” labeling, there is something hulking and utilitarian about it that blends nicely with the Rolex’s otherwise refined design elements and 37mm case. These beauties are only getting harder to find though, so if you’ve got the means, now might be the time.

Offered for sale here is a museum condition Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 ‘Big Red’ from 1983.

 

The panda dial is in perfect condition, showing almost any wear at all, and featuring intact lume plots that have aged to a lovely creamy patina hue that matches with that on the original hands. The silver sunburst dial remains in excellent condition, without any marks, scratches, stains or spotting. The black sub registers also don’t show signs of wear, remaining outstandingly clean. All hands are original and remains in great shape, with no paint losses. The hour and minute hands show normal aging.

 

The stainless steel case is remarkably well preserved, remaining not only unpolished, with sharp, thick lugs, but also showing little wear overall. The crown and MK 3 pushers are original, and period correct. The case back remains in the same condition. The inner case back is correctly engraved 6263 and CRS. The correct MK 1 bezel remains also in great shape, unpolished and with all black ink still present. It shows normal signs of wear.

 

The original acrylic crystal remains very clean.

 

It is suited on its original and correct Rolex Oyster 78350 stainless steel bracelet with 571 end links and clasp code H that shows light wear and remains tight, with little stretch.

 

The manually wound Rolex cal. 727 is very clean and running strong, with all functions working perfectly, although service history is unknown.

 

It comes as a full set which includes outer box, inner box, manuals, translation leaflet, manuals, wallet, calendar and punched guarantee papers showing it was sold in Paris, France.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own a piece of Rolex’s history in unbeatable condition.

 

Macros of case and dial are available under request, as well as movement and inner case back pictures.