Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1962
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 688'910
    Model Name: Oyster Chronographe
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72A, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster folded links bracelet stamped "257" and "7835 19" to the endlinks, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "A"
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1955, ref. 6234 is considered to be one of the most desired models within the Rolex Oyster chronograph family - the precursor to the Cosmograph Daytona line of timepieces.

    The present lot bewitches the beholder with its exceptionally well-preserved black gloss dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales: while most black gloss vintage Rolex dials tend to age with clouding, bubbling or patina - more or less strong according to conservation history of course - the present one arrives to us in astoundingly flawless condition of all its elements: from the gloss finish, to the scale, to the accents.

    Its condition is fully matched by its aesthetic appeal: the telemeter and tachometer scales frame the extremely balanced dial already bearing the three-counter architecture which will be a signature trait of the Cosmograph Daytona.

  • 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.

    View More Works

282

Ref. 6234
A fine, extremely rare and enormously attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black gloss dial and bracelet

Circa 1962
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€141,000-235,000
$156,000-260,000

Sold for CHF200,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019