Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 1'836'316
    Model Name: "Pre-Daytona"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K gold buckle signed Rolex
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex fitted box and Rolex guarantee dated June 10, 1969
    Literature: A similar model is featured in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 290

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Chronograph reference 6238 marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one as it was Rolex’s last chronograph model to feature a smooth bezel with a printed tachymeter scale on the dial. Collectors often refer to reference 6238 as the “Pre-Daytona”, as it is the immediate predecessor of reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona ever released by Rolex. A sporty yet elegant watch, reference 6238 was made predominantly in stainless steel with very few examples in gold. Whereas European and Asian markets were offered an 18 karat gold version, examples like the present one, cased in 14 karat gold, were usually reserved for the North American market as proven by the ROW import hallmark on the movement. The case has a superb champagne color wonderfully highlighting the silver sunburst dial – a combination that gives the watch great personality. This particular example is presented in overall excellent condition, displayed by the sharp bezel, strong definition of the lugs, the unrestored dial as well as its original fitted box and guarantee papers dated June 10, 1969. This rare and unusual “Pre-Daytona” is a great value for the savvy collector.

  • Artist Biography

    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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168

Ref. 6238
A fine and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with original guarantee

1968
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 70,000 
€36,700-64,300
$41,200-72,100

Sold for CHF81,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016