There are no end of extraordinary tales and unsolved mysteries when it comes to vintage Rolex. Indeed, one of the most captivating elements of watch enthusiasm is that with simply the passing of t.mes new clues and answers begin to emerge as technology changes and previously unknown watches are discovered.
Such is the case with the present lot, a watch that may help to shed more light on some of the most elusive vintage Daytona ever made – the aptly named ‘Mystery Cross’. Until recently, being found on only 3 examples of the Rolex Daytona ref. 6265, the emblem consisting of the Swiss cross surrounded by a knotted rope, had baffled collects ors and scholars alike for many years. A Perezscope article, however, in July 2021 linked the logo, engraved to the case backs of these models, to supply sacks present during the ascent of Mount Everest in 1952, which were themselves - it was uncovered - supplied by the Swiss Foundation of Alpine Research. A significant and fascinating step in understanding the story of these exceptionally rare t.mes pieces.
The present watch is a new and exciting missing link, a fourth watch, never seen before, and from the family of the original owner. What’s more the family that has consigned this particular piece, the Feuz Family, were instrumental in founding the Alpine Research foundation. According to the family members this watch was given by Ernst Feuz, a founding member and administrator of the foundation, to his brother Walter who kept it until his death in 2000. It was then passed to the current consignors.
Figure 2 Ersnt Feuz's brother, Walter Feuz to whom this watch was gifted.
Figure 3 Walter Feuz (second from right) with the 1949 Himalayan Expedition Crew at Geneva Airport.
As with the previously known pieces this Daytona falls into the same 2.8 million serial range with the last three digits of the serial engraved to the inside case back that is also stamped 6262. It is currently posited that these watches were produced to commemorate the 1952 expedition, but perhaps they were also commissioned for special members of the foundation throughout the references production? What we know for certain is that never before has an Alpine Cross Daytona been discovered that is so closely and intrinsically linked with the foundation that commissioned them and while the full story is still yet to be uncovered this watch is without doubt an historical and very important piece of the puzzle.