293 Rolex Exceptionally Rare, Precious and Sought After, Daytona Chronograph, Wristwatch in Steel, With UAE Quraysh Hawk Dial, Reference 6263, With Services Quote

Estimate: €180,000 –⁠ 350,000

Model: Daytona
Reference: 6263
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1976
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 727
Case N°: 4137637
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Copy of Service Quote

The Rolex Daytona reference 6263 is an iconic timepiece that epitomizes the pinnacle of Rolex’s storied history in chronograph watchmaking. Introduced in 1972 and produced until 1988, the 6263 has earned a legendary status among collectors and horology enthusiasts for its distinctive design, technical innovation, and association with the glamorous world of motorsport. This model slowly gained popularity worldwide, including in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Rolex has long been appreciated. In fact, in the years Rolex has created some of the most surprising, beautiful, and unusual watches for the Arab States in the Gulf. In the early 1970s, the UAE and its seven Arab nations specially commissioned watches from Rolex to be given as gifts to officials, diplomats, and dignitaries. One of the rarest of these commissioned pieces is the Cosmograph Daytona “Desert Eagle,” made upon the special request of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai. The present watch is part of a very small order of these timepieces. These coveted treasures are sought after by collectors around the world for their rarity and unique dial configurations. As previously stated, the present model is the iconic 6263 in stainless steel, identified by its screw-down pushers and, unlike its brother 6265, a bakelite bezel. The original and very well-preserved dial stands out with luminous accents, displaying a charismatic light yellow tone and features the Quraysh Hawk, the UAE emblem, in polychrome relief printing. Most intriguingly, above the 6 o’clock position is not the signature of the Ministry of Defense (Wazarah Ad Difa’A) as seen in several other examples but the personal signature of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. While the Ministry of Defense examples bear serial numbers close together, probably ordered for multiple ministers, those bearing the personal signature were likely one-off orders as special gifts and are extremely rare. Interestingly, this is one of the rare instances where Rolex removed its name from the dial to make space for the “Quraysh Hawk.” Preserved in very nice overall condition, the present watch comes with a copy of a previous service made by Rolex and can easily be considered one of the most collectible Cosmograph Daytona models to be offered in recent years.