Vintage Rolex Daytona 6263 Stainless Steel

Watch Details
Brand: Rolex
Model: Daytona
Model Number: 6263
Year: Circa 1976
Condition: Vintage
Gender: Men’s
Box & Papers: No Box or Papers
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Acrylic
Case Size: 37mm
Bezel: Stainless Steel Tachymeter
Dial: Black with Index Hour Markers, Tritium Hands & Lume
Movement: Manual, Caliber 727
Complication: Chronograph
Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Oyster Rivet
Clasp: Oysterclasp
Serial: 4128XXX

Vintage Watch Condition Overview
This Rolex Daytona 6263 is in great vintage condition, with signs of wear consistent with its age. The case shows some normal wear, but the serial number is clearly visible between the lugs. The caseback is stamped with “6265,” a common occurrence for vintage Daytona models, as the casebacks were sometimes interchangeable. Additionally, there’s a small, lightly hand-engraved number “293Q” on the case edge. The pushers, which are the original P301 screw-down type, show some wear, particularly on the bottom pusher.

The iconic Mark 1 bezel remains in good condition with some scratches and light delamination in a few areas. The dial shows an attractive patina, with the sub-dials exhibiting darker patina and light signs of wear. The lume on the dial and hands has aged to a desirable yellow color. The lume plots at 2, 3, and 6 o’clock show signs of slight degradation, consistent with the vintage nature of the watch.

This Daytona is equipped with a C&I USA rivet Oyster bracelet with 11 links, and the clasp is stamped “79,” indicating it was made in 1979. The bracelet shows signs of use and some typical stretch between the links. The crown, tube, and crystal have been replaced with Rolex service parts.

Description: Rolex Daytona 6263
Released around 1971, the Rolex Daytona ref. 6263 represents the final generation of the manually wound Daytonas, featuring the iconic screw-down pushers and black acrylic bezel. This model was available in stainless steel, typically paired with a black dial and white sub-dials, or a silver dial with black sub-dials. The “Paul Newman” dials, with their exotic designs, were also part of the 6263’s legacy.

The particular version we offer is a standout, featuring the rare and sought-after “Sigma Dial.” The Sigma symbols on the dial edge indicate the use of white gold for the hour markers and hands. This feature was introduced in the 1970s by the APIOR (Association for the Promotion of Industrial Gold) and provides a visual distinction in steel models that used white gold, enhancing the watch’s value and appeal.

Another unique aspect of this watch is the absence of the “Daytona” text on the dial. Instead, it simply reads “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph,” giving the watch a cleaner, more minimalist look that collectors particularly appreciate.

The Daytona ref. 6263 is widely regarded as one of the most desirable vintage Daytona models, and its value continues to rise as collectors seek to add this iconic piece to their collections. The combination of the classic design, the black acrylic bezel, and the manual movement makes this a coveted watch for serious enthusiasts.