A 6265 'Sigma dial' in 14K yellow gold, made for the American market.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6265 in 14k yellow gold represents one of the most compelling expressions of Rolex’s golden-era chronograph production. Already an icon in stainless steel, the 6265 in gold transcends the realm of tool watch utility and enters into a sphere of rarity. Especially this lower alloy, merely used in the USA. Connoisseurship that only the most discerning collectors truly appreciate. The crisp hallmarks underscore this scarcer produced alloy. These are also to be found in the inside of the caseback, alongside the 6265 reference engraving. Between the lugs you can also read these 4 numbers at the 12 o'clock position, and on the opposite side you find (in "typeface B') the serial that starts with 3.6.

Preserved with its original 7205 riveted Oyster bracelet. For the 14K Daytona's, 57 end-links were used as 71, 271 or 571 only exist in 18K yellow gold. It is very well preserved and perfectly evokes the transitional moment in Rolex design; combining the muscular case proportions and screw-down pushers of the 6265 with the elegant lightness of an earlier bracelet architecture. The result is a watch that is both bold and restrained, refined yet unmistakably purposeful.

The case remains in remarkably strong condition, retaining excellent definition throughout. It is fitted with an MK3 bezel and a pair of P301 screw-down pushers. While these period-correct pushers are presently mounted, the watch was originally acquired by us with later P302 pushers, which will also be included with the sale, as a loose part.

The champagne "sigma dial" elevates the piece further, distinguished not only by its warm sunburst tone but by the discreet sigma symbols flanking “T SWISS T” at six o’clock. According to our research these dials are to be found in the mid 3M serial range, as well as the later 5M serial range. These signatures, denoting solid gold hour markers, remain a subtle but vital hallmark for the educated collector, underscoring Rolex’s quiet assertion of quality and luxury. The dial has all its lume plots in tact -which aged to an appealing warm yellow hue- matching the tritium zinc sulphate in the handset. The subdial hands and chrono are also still original.

The 727 Valjoux is fully functioning, unaltered and falls in the 15xx range, correct for its age.

To hold this 6265 is to experience the Daytona at its most aristocratic; retaining the model’s uncompromising sporting DNA, yet cloaked in a warmth and weight that speaks to true vintage exclusivity. For the collector who values not just rarity, but historical texture and subtle detail: this example offers a rare opportunity to secure a very unusual iteration of a 4-digit Daytona, dating back to 1973.