Our remarks

ROLEX Vintage Daytona Cosmograph – Reference 6265 – “Red Daytona” – Sunburst Tritium Dial – Service Bakelite Bezel – 1986

An undisputed icon of vintage watchmaking, this Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 6265 represents one of the most desirable manual-wind Daytonas ever produced. Featuring the coveted “Red Daytona” dial, this example embodies everything collectors seek: rarity, historical importance, and unmistakable presence.

The watch is housed in a classic 37 mm stainless steel Oyster case, retaining the elegant proportions that define vintage Daytonas. Reference 6265 is distinguished by its screw-down pushers, offering a sportier, more robust character while preserving the refined aesthetics that made the Daytona legendary.

The standout feature is the sunburst silver dial with tritium hour markers, beautifully aged and signed with the highly sought-after red “Daytona” script above the 6 o’clock subdial. The warm tritium lume, combined with the sunburst finish, gives the dial exceptional depth and character — a defining trait of true vintage Rolex appeal.

This example is fitted with a service bakelite tachymeter bezel(Ref. 6263) instead of the normal steel bezel. 

Inside beats the legendary Rolex calibre 727, a manual-wind chronograph movement revered for its precision, robustness, and direct connection to Rolex’s racing heritage.

Produced in 1986, this reference sits at the pinnacle of vintage Daytona production and remains one of the final and most collectible executions before the transition to automatic movements.

This Rolex Daytona reference 6265 is a serious collector’s watch — increasingly rare, historically significant, and consistently rising in desirability.

Key highlights:

- highly collectible Red Daytona dial

- original sunburst tritium dial with attractive aging

- screw-down pusher Oyster case (Ref. 6265)

- legendary manual-wind Rolex calibre 727

- produced in 1986

“Few watches command the respect and admiration of a vintage Rolex Daytona. With its Red Daytona dial, sunburst finish, and manual chronograph pedigree, this reference 6265 stands as a true grail piece and a cornerstone of any serious vintage watch collection.”