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Rolex ‘Big Red’ Daytona Leads Heritage’s Watches & Fine Timepieces Auction Above $2.5 Million

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Published
05/28/2026 by

A magnificent Rolex, Very Fine “Big Red” Oyster Cosmograph Daytona, Ref. 6265/6263. circa 1979 drew 21 bids on its way to $65,625 to lead Heritage’s April 24  Watches & Fine Timepieces Signature ® Auction to $2,512,763.

The auction reflected sustained global demand for collectible timepieces, with standout results across vintage Rolex, Patek Philippe and other prestigious Swiss watches. 

The Rolex “Big Red” Oyster Cosmograph Daytona is distinguished by its bold red “DAYTONA” text arcing above the subdial. This coveted variation remains one of the most recognizable vintage Rolex Daytona configurations among collectors.

“Collectors continue to pursue the ‘Big Red’ Daytona because it represents a defining era in Rolex chronograph design,” says Jim Wolf, Heritage’s Director of Watches and Fine Timepieces. “The oversized red ‘DAYTONA’ signature is instantly recognizable and highly desirable, and examples like this, with original components and honest aging, speak directly to the authenticity prized by the most serious of collectors.”

Another standout result came from a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date DeepSea Full Set, Ref. 136668LB , which realized $60,000. Introduced at Watches & Wonders in 2024, this reference marks the first 18k gold professional model in the DeepSea line. It  maintains the extreme technical capabilities of the line while introducing a level of opulence previously reserved for the Submariner or Yacht-Master, combining a remarkable 3,900-meter depth rating with the striking contrast of a yellow gold case and vivid blue dial and ceramic bezel.

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