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134

Rolex

Ref. 6234

Pre-Daytona

An important, rare and extremely well-preserved 14k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000
€108,000 - 215,000
$122,000 - 245,000
CHF241,300
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1959
Reference No
6234
Case No
402'424
Model Name
Pre-Daytona
Material
14k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels stamped ROW
Bracelet/Strap
14k yellow gold Rolex riveted expandable bracelet, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle
14k yellow gold Rolex "Big Logo" deployant clasp stamped 1.59
Dimensions
36mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Production of gold examples of reference 6234 was extremely limited. Scholars theorise that, since the reference’s launch in 1955, approximately 2300 examples were produced in stainless steel while less than 150 examples were cased in 14k or 18k yellow gold. The reference ceased production after approximately six years of manufacture, replaced by reference 6238.

The present gold example not only is part of this extremely rare production, but is one of the best preserved gold 6234 known by the community. The case is a symphony of perfection: the sharp step of the bezel is absolutely intact, the light satin finish of the lugs is completely unmolested and unrestored, and the caseback features equally exceptional condition. The movement is stamped "ROW", in line with the 14k yellow gold case, and it is even accompanied by an extremely rare 14k yellow gold "Big Logo" bracelet, stamped for 1959.

Reference 6234 was fitted with a variety of dials, ranging from those with a matte or lacquer finish, to various subsidiary register sizes, and different scales and color combinations. These variations were used to gauge the market’s tastes for chronograph wristwatches.

Adding another layer of desirability is the fact that it was chosen for its exceptional condition to be included in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pages 124 and 125.

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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