SIGNED ROLEX, COSMOGRAPH, DAYTONA MODEL, REF. 6269, CASE NO. 8'852'644, CIRCA 1985

This spectacular fresh to the auction market gold Cosmograph can be regarded quite simply as one of the greatest prizes for any serious Rolex collector today. Rarely ever seen at auction, the ultra-luxurious diamond-set reference 6269, the so-called ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is in itself one of the most elusive models among all gold Cosmographs. Furthermore, this superlative example is of individual significance even among this highly exclusive group. The exterior of the case back is stamped with the French ‘owl’ importation gold marks and both the case back and bracelet clasp are stamped with the Rolex France Logo. These special marks are only found on one other publicly known reference 6269 and a handful of other highly important Rolexes of other references including two of the equally legendary reference 6241 “John Player Specials”. Taking inspiration from the French ‘owl’ gold mark, reference 6269s which bear this mark, including the present watch, have been given the additional nickname “Le Hibou Grand-Duc” or “The Owl Grand Duke” among collectors.

A remarkable model within the historic context of the Cosmograph family, the diamond-set gold reference 6269 is considered to be one of the ultimate luxury vintage Rolex chronographs, it is also an immense rarity. Manufactured late in the production period of the manually-wound Cosmograph which was discontinued in 1987. In the mid-1980s it was considered extraordinary for a chronograph wristwatch to be set with diamonds but due to a select yet significant demand for such pieces, Rolex responded with the specially created reference 6269 which has its own specific design features including a bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds and a stunning pavé-set diamond dial with sapphire hour indexes. A particularly attractive feature of the model is the 18K gold ‘riveted’ Oyster bracelet which lends a refined vintage 1960s aesthetic to the overall appearance of the reference.

The Case
The highly appealing 18K gold case retains strong proportions, the bezel is set with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds, displaying sharp gold marks beneath three lugs and the French gold ‘owl’ and Rolex importation stamp on the case back. The French gold ‘owl’ and Rolex importation marks “Sté*R” for “Société Rolex” seen here are only found in a few very rare instances and show that these watches were specifically sent to France to be retailed, almost certainly in Paris. In common with other known reference 6269s, the case back of the present watch bears a different reference number than the case: 6263. This is because the specifications of the case back for the two references are exactly the same, and thus the company was inclined to mount whatever suitable case back was available during final assembly, in this instance from the iconic reference 6263. The stamp ‘CRS’ is the initials of the case maker Charles-René Spielmann.

The Dial
Gold dial plate pavé-set with 240 round white diamonds and 9 sapphires for hour indexes. The gold chronograph registers remain clearly readable with guilloche centres and polished chapter rings.

The Bracelet
The fine original 18K gold reference 7205 bracelet dating from 1985 is the highly appealing version with riveted links and end links stamped ‘71’, usually found on early Daytona references from the 1960s, such bracelets are considered by Rolex collectors as the most desirable and collectible in their own right. The deployant clasp is stamped with the Rolex France logo “Sté*R” for “Société Rolex” confirming the originality of the bracelet to the watch.