Vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Sigma Dial” reference 6263

Forward of Italy national team and captain of Seria A club Napoli: Lorenzo Insigne, is wearing the vintage beauty Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Sigma Dial” reference 6263 in stainless steel, featuring a 37mm case on an oyster bracelet.

The silvered chronograph dial is signed with the Greek symbol ‘sigma’ at 6 o’clock, confirming the use of white gold for the baton indexes, and the model incorporates a bezel with a black insert.

Overall Watch Description

In 1971, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Sigma Dial” 6263 was created as an improvement to preceding models. The 6263 was the initial long run product with screw-down pushers for more outstanding waterproofing following the transitory 6240 references. In this case, the pushers, as well as the movement, make up its primary components.

Furthermore, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona designers significantly improved the watch’s feel and appearance and made it appear larger on the wrist. The transition from the Caliber 722 to the Caliber 727 for improved efficiency is another significant shift. As a result, it is now driven by the iconic manual-wind Valjoux 727 chronograph movement.

In addition, the Cosmograph Daytona was created as the ideal device for endurance race car drivers. Due to this, it was designed to be rugged, water-resistant, and equipped with a tachymetric scale on the bezel to determine average speed. Typically, the watch’s black acrylic bezel is an innately vintage design feature you will not find on any current Daytona watch.

It also goes without saying that the dial patterns of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona are slightly changed. While there is some variation, the basic structure of the Cosmograph Daytona stays the same.  This includes a trio of registers placed at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, and central hour, minute, and Chrono seconds hands. Of course, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Sigma Dial” has no date display.

To signify that the indicators and markers are composed of white gold, the black dial of the watch has two Greek sigma symbols surrounding the text “T SWISS T” underneath the 6 o’clock marking. Also, nowhere on the watch dial is the word “DAYTONA” present.

In addition, the dial bears the signature “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” to indicate that the Oyster casing, partly because of its screw-down Chrono pushers, was entirely waterproof for 100 meters. This antique version is an extremely desirable item for enthusiasts due to the combination of the coveted 6263 reference alongside a unique “Sigma” dial that does not have the Daytona mark.

A few odd circles are placed just below the hourly hand at six o’clock. In this case, the Sigma marks denote the use of white gold for the hourly indicators and hands of watches. The Swiss Watch Industry Trade Association made an effort to highlight the worth of Swiss timepieces made of any type of gold.

Whether it is antique or modern, the Rolex Daytona is regarded as among the most coveted pieces in history. What’s more, it has attained a legendary reputation in the timepiece collection community.

Price market: $100,000.00 USD

Photo: Getty Images