251 Rolex Precious and Absolutely Rare, Daytona Chronograph, Wristwatch in Steel, “Very Flat” Dial, With Pucci Papaleo Expertise, Reference 6265

Estimate: €60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 6265
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1971
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 727
Case N°: 2 805 212
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Pucci’s Confirmation Letter
Literature: An identical watch is published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” at Page 476–479

Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona reference 6265 was introduced into the market approximately in 1972 and ceased production in the late 1980s. The model represents the first one (together with the 6263) offering the innovative screw down pushers and thus carries the “Oyster” designation on the dial. It is powered by caliber 727, a Rolex upgrade of the Valjoux caliber 72 and the final evolution of this movement that was later replaced by the self-winding, Zenith El Primero—based movement equipped on the 16 500 family. The lot here offered is truly a charming and gorgeous example of 6265 manufactured in steel with still presenting the first series “millerighe” pusher but it also represents an incredible rarity considering the special configuration of its dial. It is the ultimate representation of the concept model developed following Rolex’s dictates during the ’70s. It is indeed the so-known “Very Flat” dial. In this dial, the three subdials don’t have the typical concentric circles and there is basically no “step” between them and the rest of the dial’s surface. This design is possibly due to an attempt to lower the high production costs. A new concept definitely easier to manufacture with no tridimensional effect on the counters. With Soleil finishing, the black counters have white graphics while the three-row serif test is printed in black. The series production of this type of dial never started making it an extremely rare specimen for any true connoisseur and collector.