Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1966 Reference No: 6238 Case No: 1'422'435 Model Name: "Pre-Daytona" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Vintage Rolex alligator strap Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated 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 18K yellow gold, this reference 6238 is presented in impressive condition and is much rarer than its stainless steel siblings. The case is preserved in crisp and excellent condition.
Two hallmarks are visible and sharp beneath the lugs. Furthermore, this particular dial has been preserved in excellent condition and displays round, luminous dots that have aged evenly with the hands. As an ever nicer touch, it's accompanied by vintage Rolex leather strap, boosting its charm and allure.
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.