136
Rolex
Ref. 6238
"Pre-Daytona"
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€18,500 - 37,100$21,900 - 43,700
CHF43,750
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1963
- Reference No
- 6238
- Case No
- 1'000'233
- Model Name
- "Pre-Daytona"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 257, max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.61
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Produced from approximately 1960 to 1967, the Rolex reference 6238 is a perfect embodiment of the timeless chronograph. Referred to as the “Pre-Daytona” by collectors, the reference 6238 shares similar case size, pushers and baton hands as its contemporary, the first Cosmograph Daytona reference 6239.
However, while the Cosmograph Daytona always features a two tone dial with either black with silver subdials or vice versa, the reference 6238 was offered only with a monochromatic dial. Marking the end of an era, the 6238 was also the last Rolex chronograph to feature a smooth bezel and a graduated tachymeter scale printed on the dial. Rolex’s later Daytona models would all display the scale on the bezel.
The present example is preserved in excellent condition with sharp finishes on the top of the lugs. Furthermore, the dial is preserved in excellent condition with full and round luminous dots.
However, while the Cosmograph Daytona always features a two tone dial with either black with silver subdials or vice versa, the reference 6238 was offered only with a monochromatic dial. Marking the end of an era, the 6238 was also the last Rolex chronograph to feature a smooth bezel and a graduated tachymeter scale printed on the dial. Rolex’s later Daytona models would all display the scale on the bezel.
The present example is preserved in excellent condition with sharp finishes on the top of the lugs. Furthermore, the dial is preserved in excellent condition with full and round luminous dots.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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