231
Rolex
Ref. 6240
"Reverse Oyster"
A highly rare, early and fascinating stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial displaying reverse configuration, chestnut "tropical" registers, and bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF100,000 - 200,000€98,200 - 196,000$106,000 - 212,000
CHF151,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1965
- Reference No
- 6240
- Case No
- 1'298'382
- Model Name
- "Reverse Oyster"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 4.65
- Dimensions
- 37.5mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee and presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In 1965, Rolex created a new member of the Cosmograph Daytona family by introducing reference 6240. Manufactured exclusively in stainless steel, the reference featured an acrylic bezel to display the tachymeter, and was the first "Daytona" wristwatch equipped with screw-down chronograph pushers to provide improved water resistance. A 'transitional' watch in all senses, reference 6240 eventually evolved to the beloved reference 6263 and 6265. The reference was fitted with a variety of dials, ranging from the famous "Solo Rolex" to various "Daytona" placements.
One of the earliest examples of the reference, the dial displays “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”, acknowledging the new and innovative water resistant screw-down pushers. This concept is forerunner to the better-known “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman” as both variants feature the word “Oyster” below “Rolex Cosmograph” turning the typical dial layout upside down. Scholars believe that Rolex was experimenting with different dial layouts before they decided to definitively print "Rolex Cosmograph Oyster". Exceedingly rare, research shows that a handful of these watches are known. Furthermore, the registers have turned a beautiful chestnut "tropical" tone.
Other particulars are the correct first generation pushers with the brass peeking through, which have aged with patina. This Cosmograph furthermore retains its MK 1 bezel.
One of the earliest examples of the reference, the dial displays “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”, acknowledging the new and innovative water resistant screw-down pushers. This concept is forerunner to the better-known “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman” as both variants feature the word “Oyster” below “Rolex Cosmograph” turning the typical dial layout upside down. Scholars believe that Rolex was experimenting with different dial layouts before they decided to definitively print "Rolex Cosmograph Oyster". Exceedingly rare, research shows that a handful of these watches are known. Furthermore, the registers have turned a beautiful chestnut "tropical" tone.
Other particulars are the correct first generation pushers with the brass peeking through, which have aged with patina. This Cosmograph furthermore retains its MK 1 bezel.
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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