The Rolex Daytona “Big Red” (ref. 6263) stands among the most recognisable and coveted expressions of vintage motorsport chronographs. Produced during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this steel reference earned its nickname from the bold red “Daytona” script arching above the 6 o’clock subdial – a flourish that set it apart even among its peers.

Encased in a 37mm stainless steel case with screw-down pushers and a black acrylic bezel, the 6263 was a marked evolution from earlier Daytona references in both form and function. The black dial features silvered sub-registers and luminous hour markers, while the manually wound Valjoux 727 movement ensures reliable chronograph performance. Water-resistant to 50 metres, the 6263 was one of the more robust offerings of its era, prized both for its technical refinement and commanding wrist presence.

As the vintage Daytona market continues to appreciate, “Big Red” variants remain especially desirable among collectors for their distinctive looks, lower production numbers, and status as a transitional chapter between early pump-pusher models and the later automatic Daytonas.