Perfect panda 6263 with "Floating" red script of some racetrack in Florida.

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 1979 but was sold 2 years later according to the original papers. However, the papers do not feature the serial number but most likely a retailer stock code. More importantly it features the stunning cream dial (softer reflection of the surface than a more common silver dial with soleil finish) with 'Daytona' printed largely in red, above the 6 o'clock subdial, hence the name 'Big Red'. As on this earlier example it is position a bit higher, it is referred to as a "floater".

This example is preserved in a very crisp condition and remains all original down to the MK2 bezel. 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 P301 pushers are mounted. In other words; ready for its new owner to appreciate its timeless elegance and accuracy.