Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 1'422'516
    Model Name: "Pre-Daytona"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels, further stamped "ROW"
    Bracelet/Strap: 14K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 57, max overall length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 14K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 7205 and J5
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The 1950s and 1960s were the golden age of 20th century horology with many models produced that today are considered iconic timepieces by watch collectors. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has grown to mythic proportions and is surely one model that would appear on any list of great watches and for good reason. These early tool watches are as contemporary and modern now as they were 60 years ago. They have a strong masculine appeal, and their large diameter cases fit comfortably on the wrist. While the Daytona is the most discussed Rolex chronograph, it comes from a long line of sporty Rolex chronograph models extending back to the early 1930s. “Pre-Daytona” chronographs like the reference 6238 are the immediate predecessors of the reference 6239, the first Daytona chronograph.

    Rolex’s reference 6238 is recognized both for its rarity, attractiveness, and historical significance to the brand’s history as it was the last model to feature a tachymeter scale on the dial, before it was moved to the bezel as seen on all Daytona models made to the present day. The present watch is a superlative example, especially noteworthy for its 14 karat gold case and "ROW" export mark found on the movement, designating the watch’s export to the United States. The watch is in lovely original condition with thick lugs, a crisp smooth bezel, and completed with its original and rare 14 karat gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet. The silver dial radiates brilliantly with a brushed sunburst finish and luminous hour markers and hands that have aged to a pleasing light yellowish hue. The reference 6238 is a sporty and classic chronograph wristwatch that marked the end of an era, but also paved the way for a new age. It is a chic and easily wearable timepiece with great value for the enthusiast.

  • 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.

    View More Works

105

Ref. 6238
A fine and very rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

1966
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$50,000 - 80,000 
CHF49,800-79,700
€43,400-69,500
HK$392,000-627,000

Sold for $65,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018