Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: circa 1961
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 688'579
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: For another example of reference 6234 in stainless steel, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 86.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1955, reference 6234 is better known as the 'Godfather' of Daytonas whose case shape it inspired.

    In production for a very short time, Rolex ceased production in 1961 and replaced it with the reference 6238. During this period reference 6234 was made in a variety of case metals and dials ranging from those with a matte or lacquer finish, to various subsidiary register sizes, and even contrasting tachometer/telemeter color combinations. These variations were used to gauge the market’s tastes for chronograph wristwatches.
    Nevertheless, one feature the dials did have in common was a tachymeter scale on the outer track, and a telemeter scale printed in the inner track.

    The present lot is part of the last models made before production ceased.

  • 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. 6234
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with telemeter and tachymeter dial

circa 1961
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$14,900-24,800

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017