Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1960
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 530’467
    Model Name: Oyster Chronographe, “Pre-Daytona”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial movement and buckle signed
    Literature: Similar examples of reference 6234 displaying black dials are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 126-127, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 256-257

  • Catalogue Essay

    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 very well-preserved black glossy dial with tachymeter and telemeter scales and strong stainless steel case is visually arresting.

    The present lot bewitches the beholder with its exceptionally well-preserved black glossy dial; while most black glossy vintage Rolex dials tend to age with clouding, bubbling or patina - more or less strong according to its conservation history of course - the present one arrives to us in an astounding condition, fully maintaining its glossy sheen.

    On a graphical level, the dial design is simply a masterpiece: 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.

    Offered in extremely appealing condition the present reference 6234 offers the opportunity to own one of the most remarkable Rolex chronographs made before the Cosmograph Daytona era.

  • 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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Ref. 6234
An extremely rare, highly attractive and well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black glossy dial, tachymeter and telemeter scales

Circa 1960
36mm Diameter
Case, dial movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€208,000-415,000
$220,000-440,000

Sold for CHF292,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023