Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1961 Reference No: 6234 Case No: 688'706 Model Name: Oyster Chronograph Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present Rolex 6234 impresses and intrigues with its ultra rare transitional dial. The watch features a rare and superbly preserved glossy black dial, however it is to date one of the extremely few examples known that do not feature a tachymeter/telemeter scale but simply a 60 seconds scale on the periphery.
Furthermore, the indexes are not stamped as is habitual but are applied, yet again something very rarely seen. The dial was made by Stern, with serial number 103 (Rolex code at Stern) * (meaning made by Stern) and 497 (order number) on the back. 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 wonderful condition, fully maintaining its glossy sheen.
The balance cock of the present example is further engraved ROW meaning it was destined for the US market.
First introduced in 1955, the ref. 6234 “Pre-Daytona” was, and is still considered to be one of the most desired models within the Rolex Oyster chronograph family.
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 superb glossy black dial, lack of scales and applied indexes, the present lot is certainly a trophy for the collector of vintage Rolex sport watches.
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.