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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1963
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 964’614
    Model Name: Rolex Chronograph ‘Pre-Daytona’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel riveted bracelet, end links stamped 60, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 4.61
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box and original Rolex guarantee stamped by S.A. Dupont in Paris.
    Literature: Similar examples of this reference are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 278-291, as well as 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 128-137.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6238 is referred to amongst collectors as the “Pre-Daytona”, as it is the last chronograph model to feature a smooth bezel with a printed tachometer scale on the dial and is the immediate predecessor of the historic reference 6239 – the Cosmograph Daytona.

    By design, this extraordinarily attractive specimen is more modern compared to earlier Rolex chronograph watches. The matte black, or
    so-called “grainé” finished dial, is particularly rare, as the majority of this reference were available with a silvered dial. The “T-SWISS-T” found at the dial’s lower edge by 6 o’clock indicates that Tritium was used for the luminous hands and hour markers. The serial number 964’614 indicates that the watch can be dated to 1963, which is absolutely correct.

    The present “Pre-Daytona” is offered in overall excellent condition, illustrated by the sharp bezel, strong definition of the lugs, crisp numbers in between the lugs, and the unrestored dial. The case and dial configuration makes this one of the most difficult and most exclusive watches to obtain. Furthermore, this wristwatch is accompanied by its presentation box and Rolex guarantee from S.A. Dupont in Paris, making this timepiece a collector’s horological dream come true.

  • 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 attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and bracelet, accompanied by presentation box and guarantee.

1963
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 

Sold for CHF149,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016