Rolex - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 1’076’772
    Model Name: “Pre-Daytona”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Jubilee bracelet, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped JB 6
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Tiffany & Co.
    Literature: Illustrated in John Goldberger’s “100 Superlative Rolex Watches”, pg. 132-133. For additional examples of the ‘Pre-Daytona’, see Pucci Papaleo’s “I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda”, pg. 278-290.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present lot is, without exaggeration, one of the finest examples of the Rolex “Pre-Daytona” chronograph, reference 6238, to have surfaced until now. Strongly emblazoned on the dial at 12 o’clock is the coveted New York retailer signature, “Tiffany & Co.” Even though this signature adds significant appeal, the stunning, sun-burst-finished silver dial stands out on its own due to its immaculate, unrestored condition with all luminous dots intact. They have each aged to a wonderful shade of beige, providing this modern-looking chronograph with a lovely vintage charm. As if these dial attributes aren’t enough, the watch is fitted with rarely seen thin, black-colored hands that provide superb contrast and legibility.

    The fact that this very watch is prominently featured over two pages in John Goldberger’s reference, “100 Superlative Rolex Watches”, is further proof of the watch’s importance and beauty.

    Consistent with the condition of the dial, the case is preserved in remarkable overall condition, illustrated by its sharp bezel, strong definition of the lugs, crisp numbers in between the lugs, and the engraved 4-digit Tiffany code on the underside of the lug. It’s completed with its correct and original Rolex U.S.A. Jubilee bracelet – in accordance with the watch’s sale in NY in 1964. This exclusive example of a Tiffany-signed “Pre-Daytona” is a truly rare opportunity for the discerning collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 6238
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1964
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Tiffany & Co.

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 

Sold for CHF161,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016