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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Mechanical chronograph

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6264

Partially verified

This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6264, is a mechanical chronograph wristwatch encased in 14k yellow gold, manufactured approximately in 1971. The timepiece is identified by the market moniker 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry' due to its distinct aesthetic. It is powered by a manual-wind calibre 727 movement, which incorporates 17 jewels. The exterior features a 37 mm case with a screw-down case back, paired with a matching 14k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet equipped with a folding clasp. The dial is characterized as an 'exotic' black configuration with gold-toned accents and is distinguished by a red 'Daytona' signature positioned above the 6 o'clock sub-dial.

Front view of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6264 in yellow gold with an exotic black dial.
Front view of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6264 in yellow gold with an exotic black dial. — Sotheby's, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Mechanical chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6264
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1971
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
2’802’702

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 Dial Configuration

The timepiece is housed in a 14k yellow gold case measuring 37 mm in diameter. The dial is described as an 'exotic' variant, featuring a black surface contrasted with gold-toned accents and sub-dials.

The dial is explicitly identified by the presence of a red 'Daytona' logo, which is positioned above the 6 o'clock sub-dial. This visual element contributes to the colloquial naming of the specific reference as the 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry' by collectors.

Evidence for this section
  • “37 mm yellow gold case featuring a screw-down case back”
  • “exotic' black dial with gold accents”
  • “red 'Daytona' signature above the 6 o'clock sub-dial”

Movement and Mechanical Specifications

The watch utilizes a manual-winding mechanism, specifically the calibre 727 movement. This movement is built with 17 jewels to facilitate the chronograph and timekeeping functions.

The mechanical nature of the watch is consistent with the standard manual-wind Cosmograph series of the era, relying on the user for daily winding to maintain operation of the chronograph complication.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual-wind calibre 727 mechanical movement with 17 jewels”

Bracelet and Provenance Documentation

The watch is accompanied by a matching 14k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, which features a folding clasp. The total approximate circumference of the bracelet is 190 mm, as noted in the source documentation.

The record is derived from an auction listing, which provides a case number of 2’802’702. The classification and status of the watch are listed as 'Probable,' indicating that while information is documented, the complete historical authentication of the specific specimen remains subject to the limitations of auction-based evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “matching 14k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp”
  • “Case number 2’802’702”
  • “Credible evidence exists but classification is not fully established.”

Open research questions

  • What are the documented production ranges for the calibre 727 movement within the reference 6264 production run?
  • To what extent can the 'John Player Special' nomenclature be verified through official Rolex archive extract records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6264
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference6264“reference 6264”
MovementCalibre 727“calibre 727”
Case Number2’802’702“2’802’702”
Material14k yellow gold“14k yellow gold”
Jewel count17“17 jewels”
Dial SignatureRed Daytona“red 'Daytona' signature”

Visible details

  • Black exotic dial with gold-colored sub-dials
  • Red 'Daytona' signature above the lower register
  • Screw-down pushers visible on the case side
  • Rolex Oyster bracelet with gold links

Research qualifications

  • The 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry' designation is a colloquial market term rather than an official factory classification.
  • The source lists the object status as 'Probable,' noting that while evidence is credible, the full historical classification is not definitively established.

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

Consulted source

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry' ref. 6264, c. 1971

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b364e8573b

Terms in this record

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