Rolex

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6263, along with its sibling the metal-bezel reference 6265, was produced from the late 1960s until 1987. As the final evolution of the manually-wound Daytona line, the reference 6263 is widely regarded as the quintessential and most iconic model in the Cosmograph collection. It showcases all the features that made the Daytona a design masterpiece: a bezel with a black insert featuring a tachymeter scale, screw-down pushers, and the unmistakable Rolex Oyster case.

The present example, dating from 1978, is a rare variant featuring an elegant and attractive "Sigma" dial with the red Daytona text. The "T Swiss T" signature at 6 o'clock is flanked by the Greek Sigma symbol, indicating that the markers and hands are made of white gold. Research shows that the "Sigma" notation appeared on Rolex dials in the early 1970s, following guidelines issued by the Association for the Industrial Promotion of Gold (APRIOR). These guidelines suggested, though did not mandate, the use of the Greek letter Sigma on the dials of watches with gold details (such as markers). Due to its cryptic nature, the designation was phased out after a few years making ‘Sigma dials’ rarer and more sought after by collectors.