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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1962
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 807'500
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K woven herringbone Gay Frères bracelet, measuring 190mm. max
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: This exact timepiece is featured “I Cronografi Rolex- La Legenda” by Pucci Papaleo PP. 272-273

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6234 was first introduced in 1955, and is considered to be one of the rarest gems amongst the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. Both references 6034 and 6234 are highly desirable in the collector community, considered precursors to the Cosmograph Daytona whose case shape they influenced. The majority were cased in stainless steel cases and an extremely rare number produced in yellow gold. Cased in 14k yellow gold, the present model was made for the American market as confirmed by the ROW inscription on the balance bridge. The present lot is also a transitional model fitted with a coveted “underline” dial, referring to the underline beneath the ‘Anti-Magnetic’ designation at 6 o’clock. The symbol was used by Rolex in the early 1960s to signify the use of tritium for the luminous dial and hands. Well preserved in overall wonderful condition, this reference 6234 is further enhanced by an utterly sumptuous, period correct woven yellow gold herringbone bracelet made by Gay Frères. Prominently featured in Pucci Papaleo’s “I Cronografi Rolex - La Legenda”, it’s a rare and superb example noted for its stunning beauty.

  • 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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Ο77

Ref. 6234
An extremely rare and fine yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and "underline" dial

1962
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 120,000 
€64,300-110,000
$72,100-124,000

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016