Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1965
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: Case number 1'206'470, Cartier hand stamped reference numbers 80261 & 667
    Model Name: 'Pre-Daytona'
    Material: 14k yellow gold
    Calibre: Mechanical, 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black Rolex reptile leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 14k yellow gold Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 35 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Cartier and case hand stamped with Cartier reference numbers
    Accessories: With Cartier Certificate of Authenticity confirming the sale of the present watch in 1967.
    Literature: For another examples of a reference 6238, please see I Cronografi Rolex - La Legganda by Pucci Papaleo, page 278 to 279.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Manufactured in the early 1960s, reference 6238 is the last member of the traditional Rolex chronograph family. It is also the last chronograph reference to have the tachometer printed on the dial.

    There are many striking features about this watch. The most compelling is that it is the only known 14k yellow gold 6238 retailed by Cartier, which is confirmed by the signature on the dial, the hand stamped reference numbers and the Cartier certificate dated April 23rd 2010. The watch itself has been preserved in outstanding original condition with very crisp hallmarks, very legible and crisp numbers between the lugs and a very crisp and sharp case back. The case is manufactured from 14k gold, which was reserved by Rolex for the American market. The movement is also stamped ROW, indicating that it was manufactured for export to the USA. In a market where Rolex is arguably the most sought after brand, the present watch is destined for a prestigious and exclusive collection throughout the world.

  • 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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Σ224

Ref. 6238
A fine, extremely rare and possibly unique 14k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, retailed by Cartier with Cartier certificate

1965
35 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Cartier and case hand stamped with Cartier reference numbers

Estimate
HK$1,700,000 - 3,200,000 

Sold for HK$2,200,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016