The name's red, 'Big Red'.

One of our favorite iterations of the 4-digit Daytona's most definitely is the ref. 6263. Every time you have to manually wind this Cosmograph, it reminds you of just how much money you spent on a steel watch. Being a Rolex that doesn't even house a Rolex movement. Yes, it is a Valjoux manual wound movement. But, it's worth every penny.

Rolex has always pride themselves in the invention of the famed 'Oyster case' and its waterproofness since the thirties. However, the first truly waterproof Daytona only came into existence in 1965 thanks to the introduction of the reference 6240 and its screw-down chronograph buttons compared to the classic round pump pushers with internal gaskets on earlier Daytonas. The 6240 was also the first Daytona to feature a black acrylic bezel inlay with contrasting white graduation scale. The 6240 was discontinued after just 4 years and was replaced by the 6263 in 1969. The 6263 (and its brother, the 6265, with a metal bezel) enjoyed the longest production run of all vintage Daytonas from 1971 up until 1987.

People often forget just how unwanted these Daytona's were back in the day. They would often collect dust for years in dealer windows until someone finally decided to pick them up for a couple of hundred bucks. Simply because they probably got it in a combination deal with a two-tone Datejust or Submariner. Can you imagine your dealer calling you up and pretty much throwing a Daytona in your deal to convince you from picking up a (now) more average model.

The beauty we have for you all is from 1984 and features the stunning silver dial with 'Daytona' printed largely in red, just above the 6 o'clock subdial, hence the name 'Big Red'. She comes with service papers from Rolex dating back to 2017.

Most importantly, this example is preserved in a very crisp condition and remains all original. All the lume plots are present and match the creamy color of the original tritium in the hands. The bracelet dates back to the same year as the watch and the original pushers are mounted. In other words; ready for its new owner to appreciate its timeless elegance and accuracy.