Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 425'520
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph "Pre Daytona"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Production of reference 6234 was extremely limited. Launched in 1955, the model displayed many similar features to the very first Daytona, such as the shape of the case and pump pushers. The reference ceased production after approximately six years of manufacture, replaced by reference 6238.

    This reference 6234 is an incredibly well-preserved example. The movement bridge is stamped "ROW", indicating export to the American market. It is most notably fitted with a black dial that displays only minor signs of aging, which is quite remarkable considering the age of the timepiece. The numerals and hands are gilded, providing a contrasting appearance. Furthermore, the outside case back is engraved "STAINLESS STEEL", which can be seen on cases delivered to the United States. Over-polishing would have dulled the finishes of the case, yet this example retains its crisp edges and robust proportions.

  • 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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873

Ref. 6234
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial

Circa 1959
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 240,000 
€16,600-26,500
$19,200-30,800

Sold for HK$750,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018