Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 - Matte Black 'Sigma' Dial

The Rolex Daytona model, since its initial release, has been at the forefront of the market as the most desirable chronograph in production, and of almost any vintage. Early Daytona’s in particular can be a lot of fun to collect not just because of the recognition they have these days, but also, as with so many other Rolex models early in their life-cycles, because of how many subtle changes they underwent in the fist decade or so, resulting in a plethora of nuanced configurations.

One feature that they all shared, however, was the movement. Prior to the introduction of the automatic-winding Daytonas beginning in circa 1988, all previous Rolex chronographs had been manually-wound, and anything with "Daytona" on the dial, powered by a modified version of Valjoux's highly respected and now very desirable, Calibre 72.

The piece that we have here, a Reference 6265, dates to circa 1974 and comes to us in strong, honest overall condition. The 37mm case retains correct proportions and finishing where appropriate, and shows normal wear for its age. The correct steel bezel exhibits matching normal wear. The screw-down pushers are correct 'MK2' units and of course have a screw-down crown between them. Inside, the correct matte black 'Sigma' dial remains in honest condition, with 'concentric' finishing within the silver subsidiary registers, lending to that highly desirable and legible 'reverse-panda' contrast that we love. The Tritium plots exhibit an even patina throughout, with only partial loss to a few of the plots and a professionally color-matches handset. Last but not least, this piece comes fitted to a period-correct Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

Its hard to say more said about vintage Daytonas that hasn't already been said over and over... They are highly collectible, beautiful to behold, and of course, functional and robust watches to wear. This is an excellent, well-rounded example and we're certain its next owner will agree.