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192

Rolex

Ref. 6234

Oyster Chronograph

A very rare, extremely well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black glossy dial

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First introduced in 1955, the ref. 6234 “Pre-Daytona” was, and is still considered to be one of the most desired model within the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. The present lot, with its well-preserved black glossy dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales, makes it one of the most awe-striking executions of the reference to appear on the market in recent years.

Its dial showcases both telemeter and tachymeter scales along its outer circle. The watch is presented with a finely kept oyster case, showcasing a design that is ever so appealing and eye catching. Examples of any reference 6234 presented in such excellent condition are few and far between. With its extraordinary glossy black dial, the present lot is certainly a trophy for the collector of vintage Rolex sport watches. Most notably, the “T-SWISS-T” found at the lower edge by 6 o’clock indicates that Tritium was used for the luminous hands and hour markers, which is correct as the serial number 1’262’289 dates the watch to 1965, when tritium was used exclusively for the luminous material used on all Swiss watches.

With auction provenance, the present watch was sold at the Phillips, Geneva 14 May 2016, Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs, lot 82.

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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