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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263

Partially verified

This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6263, is a manual-wind chronograph featuring a 37mm steel Oyster case with screw-down pushers and a black bakelite tachymeter bezel. The watch is powered by a Valjoux 727-based movement. It is identified by its silver soleil dial with a floating “Big Red” Daytona signature positioned above the 6 o'clock register. The dial includes three sub-registers, which the auction description reports have developed a subtle brown discolouration. The luminous plots are described as aged to a vanilla tone, and the hour and minute hands have been replaced during a recent service. The watch is presented on a Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 557B endlinks and an M4 clasp code. According to the provided specifications, the serial number 641xxxx dates the watch to 1980.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 on wrist, featuring silver dial with 'Big Red' text
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 on wrist, featuring silver dial with 'Big Red' text — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6263
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1980
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
641xxxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bezel Construction

The watch is housed in a 37mm steel Oyster case, a design choice which incorporated screw-down pushers to improve water resistance. This reference is distinguished from earlier models by the presence of these pushers and the fixed black bakelite tachymeter bezel.

The auction description reports that the Mk4 bakelite bezel is free from cracks or blemishes. The stainless steel case is described as having a well-preserved profile with sharp and even lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “37mm steel case with black bakelite tachymeter scale bezel”
  • “The Mk4 bakelite bezel is in excellent condition, free from cracks or blemishes”
  • “The case is incredibly strong, with sharp and even lugs”

Dial and Hands

The silver soleil dial features a floating “Big Red” designation, where the word “DAYTONA” is curved above the 6 o'clock register. The sub-registers are described as having acquired a subtle brown discolouration, contributing to the watch's appearance.

The luminous plots are noted to be intact with a warm vanilla age tone. While the dial is described as mark-free, the auction description reports that the hand-set is not original to the watch, having been replaced during a service.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver floating “Big Red” Panda dial with light brown sub dials”
  • “The chronograph registers are equally clean and have taken on a subtle brown discolouration”
  • “The hand-set has been replaced during service.”

Movement and Bracelet

Internally, the timepiece is equipped with a Valjoux 727-based mechanical movement. The auction description reports that the movement has undergone a recent service performed by the vendor's watchmaker.

The watch is secured to the wrist by a Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet. This bracelet is specified as having 557B endlinks and an M4 clasp code.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside beats the legendary Valjoux 727-based movement, freshly serviced by our watchmaker”
  • “the watch is fitted with a Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 557B endlinks and M4 clasp code.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific service history of the movement prior to the current vendor?
  • Can the M4 clasp code be further refined to a specific production range for the 78350 bracelet?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelCosmograph Daytona 6263“Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6263”
Serial641xxxx“Serial 641xxxx dating to 1980”
MovementValjoux 727-based“Inside beats the legendary Valjoux 727-based movement”
BezelMk4 bakelite“The Mk4 bakelite bezel is in excellent condition”
BraceletRolex 78350 Oyster“fitted with a Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 557B endlinks and M4 clasp code.”
HandsReplaced“The hand-set has been replaced during service.”

Visible details

  • Floating 'Big Red' text above sub-dial
  • Black bakelite bezel
  • Screw-down pushers
  • Silver soleil finish on dial

Research qualifications

  • Replacement hand-set
  • History of discolouration on sub-registers

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6263 Big Red Floating Silver Soleil Dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b19ba63a19

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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