Ever seen a 6263 Big Red Daytona this nice...?

[phillip ridley]

This particular watch was just obtained and sent in for inspection. Personally, I have not seen one in this condition.

Once I inspected the movement, I noticed that both of the movement clamps were broken and floating around. That is when we decided to have it serviced so that the floating piece of metal would not disrupt the mechanics.

The dial and case is what really separated this watch from other 6263's, IMO...having a completely mint dial, razor sharp lugs and unpolished case/bracelet.

[rmlovett1]

Case & dial are fantastic! What a beauty!

[highcotton]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

This particular watch was just obtained and sent in for inspection. Personally, I have not seen one in this condition.

Once I inspected the movement, I noticed that both of the movement clamps were broken and floating around. That is when we decided to have it serviced so that the floating piece of metal would not disrupt the mechanics.

The dial and case is what really separated this watch from other 6263's, IMO...having a completely mint dial, razor sharp lugs and unpolished case/bracelet.

Yes, just the other day. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/an...iques-roadshow

[StudlySteve]

That case is sharp! Stunning condition.

[athom]

proper one !

[BigAppleBill]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

This particular watch was just obtained and sent in for inspection. Personally, I have not seen one in this condition.

Once I inspected the movement, I noticed that both of the movement clamps were broken and floating around. That is when we decided to have it serviced so that the floating piece of metal would not disrupt the mechanics.

The dial and case is what really separated this watch from other 6263's, IMO...having a completely mint dial, razor sharp lugs and unpolished case/bracelet.

That’s a beautifully preserved watch! Great photos! But I also have a question from studying the photos: in the photos of the movement there appear to be some empty screw holes (screws missing?). Is this common with the Valjoux 72 movement? Are some screw holes considered auxiliary or redundant?

As a novice, and someone completely unfamiliar with the intricacies of watchmaking I’m just curious to know. Thanks!

Edit: I included a marked up image of what I’m referring to.

[1665fan]

Why is the long seconds hand gold?

[1watch]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

That’s a beautifully preserved watch! Great photos! But I also have a question from studying the photos: in the photos of the movement there appear to be some empty screw holes (screws missing?). Is this common with the Valjoux 72 movement? Are some screw holes considered auxiliary or redundant?



As a novice, and someone completely unfamiliar with the intricacies of watchmaking I’m just curious to know. Thanks!



Edit: I included a marked up image of what I’m referring to.

Although I don’t know why it appears to have open screw holes on the movement, that’s 100% correct.


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[1watch]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Why is the long seconds hand gold?

I believe it appears yellowish, because it’s white gold. The hands were made of gold starting with the sigma dial versions.


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[Tom1675]

Very nice. Wow!

[Burr]

That dial is


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[BamaHammer]

Nice! Too bad it doesn't have a bracelet

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

That’s a beautifully preserved watch! Great photos! But I also have a question from studying the photos: in the photos of the movement there appear to be some empty screw holes (screws missing?). Is this common with the Valjoux 72 movement? Are some screw holes considered auxiliary or redundant?

As a novice, and someone completely unfamiliar with the intricacies of watchmaking I’m just curious to know. Thanks!

Edit: I included a marked up image of what I’m referring to.

At least one of the circled areas is another place where there can be a movement clamp to secure it to the case. Although Rolex never used that particular one, I am sure other watch companies who used that movement did.

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Why is the long seconds hand gold?

It is actually a gun smoke black, but in certain angles you can see where the coating is thinning.

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by BamaHammer

Nice! Too bad it doesn't have a bracelet

Indeed it does.

[1watch]

Originally Posted by BamaHammer

Nice! Too bad it doesn't have a bracelet

It has the original unpolished bracelet with all 13 links and correct clasp code for the serial/year. Entire watch and bracelet acquired in all original, unmolested condition.


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[Wahlberg]

How long does it take to service this? Just wondering but I've heard a price before for the service from Rolex itself. Is it a lot or ... (do I have to PM)?

[XavierM]

Wow a beauty !
Thanks for sharing these pics with us !

[1watch]

Originally Posted by highcotton

Yes, just the other day. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/an...iques-roadshow

That is an amazing piece and story, yet different from the thread subject. Although also a ref. 6263, it’s a PN and this is a Big Red.

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[GGGMT]

Wow


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[David cote]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

This particular watch was just obtained and sent in for inspection. Personally, I have not seen one in this condition.

Once I inspected the movement, I noticed that both of the movement clamps were broken and floating around. That is when we decided to have it serviced so that the floating piece of metal would not disrupt the mechanics.

The dial and case is what really separated this watch from other 6263's, IMO...having a completely mint dial, razor sharp lugs and unpolished case/bracelet.

WOW, crazy nice...

[swish77]

First of all, yes, I have seen a 6263 Big Red as nice! You serviced it! (Just kidding, kind of).

Question: What is the beginning of the serial number of this 6263? I notice that the dial seems more silvery than mine. My dial is more of a cream ivory, although some of that could be the aging process.

I've been trying to pin down information on late '70s 6263s with cream dials (as opposed to more silvery dials). There is definitely a difference, but there's not a lot written about it online, not that I can find anyway.

[1watch]

Indeed, feel very fortunate to have acquired this 6263. All original, unpolished, mint condition as confirmed by Mr. Ridley.



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[037]

Wow. That is immaculate. Thanks for sharing, Phillip!

Missed seeing this thread the first time around.

[zapokee]

Outstanding photos. Thanks for sharing.

I like to forget that I had the chance to buy a mint one of these at 15 grand USD in the days when that was the going price. And turned it down because I thought it was overpriced.

[BigAppleBill]

Originally Posted by swish77

First of all, yes, I have seen a 6263 Big Red as nice! You serviced it! (Just kidding, kind of).

Question: What is the beginning of the serial number of this 6263? I notice that the dial seems more silvery than mine. My dial is more of a cream ivory, although some of that could be the aging process.

I've been trying to pin down information on late '70s 6263s with cream dials (as opposed to more silvery dials). There is definitely a difference, but there's not a lot written about it online, not that I can find anyway.

Aaron, what a great pic! That dial is just gorgeous! It would make me happy to know it’s all original with papers, just to know such a great example exists.

[1watch]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Outstanding photos. Thanks for sharing.

I like to forget that I had the chance to buy a mint one of these at 15 grand USD in the days when that was the going price. And turned it down because I thought it was overpriced.

Thanks. For sure hindsight can be frustrating with this passion. Here’s a pic in ambient, later afternoon light with the original blemished crystal. I still have it in my possession and had a NOS crystal put on by Phil, to ensure everything is tightly sealed for solid integrity and preservation.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

Aaron, what a great pic! That dial is just gorgeous! It would make me happy to know it’s all original with papers, just to know such a great example exists.

Many thanks! As a matter of fact, it is a full set, with the original punched papers, some Rolex service paperwork (just for end links), and some other tidbits.

[BigAppleBill]

Originally Posted by swish77

Many thanks! As a matter of fact, it is a full set, with the original punched papers, some Rolex service paperwork (just for end links), and some other tidbits.

So nice to see such a gorgeous watch with the complete package! What a special piece to wear, enjoy and admire! Please keep me in mind if you ever consider moving it out of your collection.

[Onequik135i]

I love reading threads like these, some really stunning condition 6263’s on here.