Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 1'697'069
    Model Name: "Pre-Daytona"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Known as the "Pre-Daytona", reference 6238 was the very last chronograph model that Rolex produced following the introduction of the Cosmograph in 1963. This particular model was produced during the very last years of the reference's production period. The date of manufacture most notably overlaps with the production period of reference 6239.

    Cased in 14K yellow gold, this reference 6238 is presented in impressive condition. A thick layer of multi-colored patina has developed throughout the case, demonstrating how the watch has seen very little intervention throughout its lifetime. Two hallmarks are visible and crisp beneath the lugs. The movement is stamped "ROW", indicating export to the American market, which is fitting as the watch is cased in 14K yellow gold. This particular dial has been preserved in incredible condition and displays round, luminous dots that have aged evenly with the hands.

  • 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
A rare and attractive 14K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1967
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 100,000 
€53,400-89,100
$60,400-101,000

Sold for CHF85,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019