Rolex Daytona 'Big Red'

Given the attention on sports watches these days, when most people think of the Rolex Daytona, contemporary models are likely what come to mind first.

Be it a stainless steel model with a ceramic bezel, a full precious metal piece with a striking dial color, or even the recent Zenith-powered or in-house models with steel bezels, Rolex's range-topping chronograph are amongst the hottest watches on the planet.

But if you peer back a just few years - before contemporary watches were all the rage and very much in the spotlight, it was the vintage pieces that captured the imaginations and attention of the experienced enthusiast.

Following the production of the Reference 6238 'Pre-Daytona' chronographs, Rolex introduced the first to models to bear "Daytona" nomenclature on their dials - the Reference 6239. Introduced in 1963, these lovely pieces were also the first to feature a tachymeter bezel and a contrasting dial and sub register layout that has become a coveted characteristic of Daytonas and many a lookalike since.

This particular timepiece, a Reference 6265, dates to circa 1978 and features an absolutely fantastic 36mm Oyster case with holey lugs, a domed acrylic crystal, a signed screw-down crown, screw-down pushers, and an excellent sunburst silver Tritium 'panda' dial with red "Daytona" text above the 6:00 register and a matching handset.

Powered by the venerable Valjoux 72 hand-cranking movement, this piece comes paired to a folded-link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

This example remains in superb overall condition — one of the finest examples that we have ever come across — and makes for an excellent addition to any collection.

Public attention might be focused on its younger siblings for the time being - but in our minds, there is no substitute for the original!

Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.