1978 Rolex Daytona Ref 6263 Black “Big Red”

The Rolex Daytona Ref 6263 AKA the “Big Red” is arguably one of the most sought after vintage Rolex Daytona’s in the Rolex Cosmography line up. The ref 6263 “Big Red” is iconic, timeless, & eye-catching when worn on the wrist.

 The Daytona name came in 1964/1965 when Rolex decided to brand the 6263 Cosmograph reference order to appeal to the auto racing culture of the USA and was also an official sponsor of the Daytona 500 auto race held in Daytona Beach, FL.

This specific 1978 example of the “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6263 is downright stunning the matte Black dial with the offset crisp light subdials sets the tone for the watch’s appearance. The watch really pops due to the three silver sub-dials and iconic red “Daytona” insignia adorned above the lower center subdial at the 6 o’clock position. The black bezel insert is in flawless condition and frames the dial perfectly and adds to the pieces overall legibility while being worn on the wrist.

We love the vintage Cosmograph range of due to the fact that they have a high level of contrast which is something the modern Rolex Daytona range of Timepieces has lost due to the completely monochromatic look of the dials found on today modern reference range. 

 

Stock #		RLXDT6263-78
Brand		Rolex
Style		Daytona
Model		6263
Serial		5,5XX,XXX
Size		Men’s
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Black
Millimeters		36
Strap		Oyster

 

CASE & Bracelet

The case shows very light wear with and retains very thick lugs. The screw down crown and pushers are original to the piece and are not the more commonly seen “service” crown and pushers more commonly seen in watches of this era. The bezel is in absolutely stunning condition and is without any cracks, tarnishing, or blemish. The Rolex Oyster 78350 Bracelet has very minimal stretch and comes with12 links with era correct 571 end pieces. 

Dial & Hands

The dial is in excellent condition. The trapezoidal stick markers are free of any corrosion and add to the specific examples charming and era-specific look and feel. The excellent silver sub-dials have some very faint patina when looked at under a lope. All the lume plots are intact on the dial and glow properly when under a loupe using U.V. The lume plots have taken on a darker patina which matches lume found in the original hands, the hands have taken on a slight and even patina as can be seen in the photographs.

Accessories 

None. The watch was just serviced by a master Rolex trained and certified watchmaker and is running and keeping time perfectly.