Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1963
    Reference No: 6239, inside case back stamped 6238
    Case No: 922'992
    Model Name: Cosmograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 186 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex Garanzia dated 1 March 1966.
    Literature: For another example of a Double Swiss 6239 with tropical registers, please see Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo, pages 92 and 93.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1963, Rolex introduced the reference 6239, the very first model of the iconic Cosmograph and they moved the tachymetre scale from the dial to the bezel. The present watch is from the very first year and has many attributes that make it highly collectible today.

    First, it is fitted with the highly coveted 'Double Swiss' dial and the case back is stamped 6238. Rolex used dial stamps made from previous chronograph models when it began the production of the Daytona, they also used case backs already made and in stock for the previous chronograph reference 6238 and used them for the early Cosmographs under 1 million serial number. Secondly, the present watch is fitted with the MK1 bezel that is recognised by the 275 intermediate unit and the small hash marks found entirely on the bezel. Thirdly, the subsidiary registers have turned a wonderful deep brown and they have aged uniformly together, which gives a very appealing and a nice contrast to the silvered dial. Finally, the watch still retains its hand written Guarantee dated 1966 rendering this an important Cosmograph from the first year of production.

  • 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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1106

Ref. 6239, inside case back stamped 6238
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with 'Double Swiss' dial, tropical registers, riveted bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1963
36.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$480,000 - 640,000 
€57,800-77,100
$60,000-80,000

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: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017