Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 166'678
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Original Rolex leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box and original green sticker.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Production of reference 6234 was extremely limited. Since the reference’s launch in 1955, approximately 2300 examples were produced in stainless steel. In contrast, scholars theorize that less than 150 examples were cased in 14K or 18K yellow gold. The reference ceased production after approximately six years of manufacture, replaced by reference 6238.

    A virtual time capsule, the present example is distinguished by its impressive state of preservation and shows barely any signs of aging. The case features sharp factory finishes to the top of the lugs and the caseback. The edges are crisp and visible, and the hallmarks beneath the lugs are very deep. Even more impressive are the numbers between the lugs, which are clear even without the aid of a loupe. The "no lume" dial is preserved in excellent condition as well, with barely any signs of aging. The printing on the ivory dial remains clear and visible and free of mottling. As an even nicer touch, the watch is accompanied by not only its original strap, but original presentation box with the factory sticker still present inside the box.

  • 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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157

Ref. 6234
An impressively well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "no lume" dial, original sticker and presentation box

Circa 1956
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€61,800-124,000
$60,100-120,000

Sold for CHF151,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022