Manufacturer:
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Catalogue Essay
Some watches are of such extreme rarity that the majority of collectors and enthusiasts are barely aware of their existence. To catch one of these “in the wild” is a triumph; to be able to hold and examine it, a privilege. Such is the case with the present stainless steel “Pre-Daytona”. Though the reference 6238 is often found with a stainless steel case and a silvered dial, it is almost never seen with the vivid blue pulsometer scale found in the present example. These watches were specialized for the medical field, as the pulsometer scale is meant to measure heart beats per minute and can be found on some of Rolex’s earliest chronographs. The pulsometer scale is a prestigious and uncommon calibration found on the dials of chronograph watches designed for medical professionals. A doctor would start the chronograph function, and stop it based on the number of heart beats counted as indicated on the scale, in this particular example 15. The stopped chronograph hand would indicate the exact number of heart beats per minute on the pulsometer scale.
To our knowledge, the current 6238 is only the second publicly known Pre-Daytona (the other is proudly photographed and catalogued in John Goldberger’s 100 Superlative Rolex Watches) and is the first to appear at auction in recent memory. This watch was purchased by the consignor over two decades ago from the original owner and has remained unused ever since.
Rolex was known to produce chronographs with pulsometer scales, both before and after the era of the Pre-Daytona. The most famous of the Rolex chronographs with pulsations scale are the “medical” Cosmograph Daytonas - pump-pusher Daytonas with pulsometer scales of which about ten are known to exist. Indeed, as the decades of the twentieth century passed, the scales on the dials of Rolex chronographs became more uniform, developing from the artistry of the 1920s through 1950s to the more sporty and casual tone of the 1960s and 1970s. The present watch can be seen as a bridge between these two styles.
Discerning collectors will notice the narrow -T SWISS T- at the bottom of the dial typical of this era of 6238s, as well as the ROW printed on the movement, indicating the watch was made for the American market. Fantastically preserved, exceptionally rare, and beautifully proportioned, this watch ticks all the boxes for the collector of important vintage Rolex chroographs
Maker Bio
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.
21
Ref. 6238
An extremely rare, very attractive, and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with blue pulsometer scale
Circa 1963
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed; movement additionally stamped “ROW”
Estimate
$120,000 - 240,000
CHF120,000-239,000
€109,000-218,000
HK$940,000-1,880,000
sold for $175,000
New York Auction 10 December 2019
1
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5711/1A-010
Model: Nautilus
A very fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, certificate, and original accessories, factory sealed
Estimate $20,000 - 40,000 •
Sold for $68,750
A way to share and manage lots.
2
Rolex
Ref. 16710B
Model: GMT-Master II
A rare, new old stock, and exceptional stainless steel dual time wristwatch with rare dial type, bracelet, original guarantee and presentation box
Estimate $8,000 - 16,000 •
Sold for $30,000
A way to share and manage lots.
3
Rolex
Ref. 16610LV
Model: Submariner "Kermit, Flat Four"
A “new old stock” stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, accompanied by original Rolex guarantee, presentation box, and hang tags
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $35,000
A way to share and manage lots.
4
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3940
An attractive and fine “first series” yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $35,000
A way to share and manage lots.
5
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5235G-001
A very fine and rare white gold annual calendar wristwatch with regulator-style dial, Certificate of Origin, and presentation boxes
Estimate $25,000 - 50,000
Sold for $37,500
A way to share and manage lots.
6
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 15305ST.OO.1220ST.01
Model: Royal Oak
A very fine and rare stainless steel skeletonized wristwatch with original guarantee, presentation box, and accessories
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $68,750
A way to share and manage lots.
7
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5950A-001
An extremely fine and rare stainless steel single button split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with original Certificate of Origin, additional solid case back, accessories, and original boxes, in its factory seal
Estimate $160,000 - 320,000
Sold for $275,000
A way to share and manage lots.
8
Urwerk
Model: Atomic Mechanical Control
A unique, extremely rare, and historically innovative Atomic Master Clock with paired titanium wristwatch with power reserve and oil change indicator, with certificate of origin
Estimate $1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for $2,900,000
A way to share and manage lots.
9
Blancpain
Model: Aqua Lung
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel automatic diver’s wristwatch with center seconds and rotating bezel
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $43,750
A way to share and manage lots.
10
Rolex
Ref. 1016
Model: Explorer
An early and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer “exclamation” dial
Estimate $8,000 - 16,000
Sold for $27,500
A way to share and manage lots.
11
Omega
Ref. 145.022
Model: Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch DeLuxe
A rare and highly attractive limited edition yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with burgundy bezel and bracelet, made to commemorate the Apollo XI moon landing, limited edition number 120
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $52,500
A way to share and manage lots.
12
Rolex
Ref. 1665; inner caseback stamped IV.67 and 427
Model: Sea-Dweller “Double Red”
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, “tropical” dial, helium escape valve, bracelet, chronometer certificate, punched guarantee card, and inner and outer presentation boxes
Estimate $40,000 - 80,000
Sold for $125,000
A way to share and manage lots.
13
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. 3027
Model: “Lucky 13”
A unique, historically important, and unusual gold-filled time-only wristwatch with center seconds and “Lucky 13” dial
Estimate $20,000 - 40,000
Sold for $62,500
A way to share and manage lots.
14
Breitling
Ref. 809
Model: Navitimer Cosmonaute
A very rare, extremely well-preserved, and historically important stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with slide rule bezel and 24-hour black gilt dial
Estimate $40,000 - 80,000
Sold for $156,250
A way to share and manage lots.
15
Richard Mille
Ref. RM003 AF PG
Model: RM003-V2
A very rare and exceptional pink gold dual-time tourbillon wristwatch with function selector, power reserve and torque indication, with original guarantee, boxes, and accessories, sold to benefit charity
Estimate $60,000 - 120,000 •
Sold for $200,000
A way to share and manage lots.
16
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26081AI.00.D003SU.15
Model: Royal Oak Concept Watch, Royal Navy
A unique and very fine alacrite 602 and titanium semi-skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with dynamographe and power reserve, with guarantee and presentation box, sold to benefit charity
Estimate $60,000 - 120,000 •
Sold for $182,500
A way to share and manage lots.
17
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5004R-014
A very fine and rare pink gold perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with moonphase, Certificate of Origin, additional caseback, and presentation box
Estimate $130,000 - 260,000
Sold for $180,000
A way to share and manage lots.
18
Rolex
Ref. 1803, inside case back further stamped 1800
Model: Day Date
A fine and culturally significant yellow gold wristwatch with day, date and bracelet, sold to benefit the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Sold for $1,220,000
A way to share and manage lots.
19
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5960P-015
A very fine and rare platinum annual calendar chronograph wristwatch with blue dial, original Certificate of Origin, and presentation box
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $55,000
A way to share and manage lots.
20
Rolex
Ref. 6264; inside caseback further stamped 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman “Lemon”
An extraordinarily rare, extremely attractive, and important yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman Lemon” dial and service guarantee
Estimate $450,000 - 900,000
Sold for $884,000
A way to share and manage lots.
21
Rolex
Ref. 6238
Model: Pre-Daytona
An extremely rare, very attractive, and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with blue pulsometer scale
Estimate $120,000 - 240,000
Sold for $175,000
A way to share and manage lots.
22
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 44018/411
Model: 222 “Jumbo”
A fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with date and integrated bracelet
Estimate $20,000 - 40,000
Sold for $68,750
A way to share and manage lots.
23
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2508
A very rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds with luminous dial
Estimate $25,000 - 50,000
Sold for $40,000
A way to share and manage lots.
24
Rolex
Ref. 6239
Model: Cosmograph Daytona, “Floating Daytona”
An early and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and “floating Daytona” designation
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $62,500
A way to share and manage lots.
25
Patek Philippe
Ref. 565
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, silvered dial, Breguet numerals, luminous hour markers, and luminous hands
Estimate $50,000 - 100,000
Sold for $100,000
A way to share and manage lots.
26
Omega
Ref. KOT 741 AL
An extremely rare, well-preserved, and historically important yellow gold oversized single-button chronograph wristwatch with enamel dial
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $33,750
A way to share and manage lots.
27
Rolex
Ref. 6263
Model: Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” “Tiffany & Co.”
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silver dial and bracelet, retailed by Tiffany & Co.
Estimate $80,000 - 160,000
Sold for $125,000
A way to share and manage lots.
28
Rolex
Ref. 5513/5517
Model: Military Submariner “Double Reference”
An extremely rare and well-preserved stainless steel military wristwatch with revolving bezel, fixed bar lugs and military engravings made for the British Royal Navy, accompanied with original owners Royal Navy Divers log and knife
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Sold for $218,750
A way to share and manage lots.
29
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5711/1P-010
Model: Nautilus
An important and extremely rare platinum automatic wristwatch with seconds, date, bracelet, and Certificate of Origin
Estimate $250,000 - 500,000
Sold for $356,250
A way to share and manage lots.
30
Rolex
Ref. 1675; inside caseback stamped 1675, II.72
Model: GMT-Master
An iconic, historically important, and remarkably well-preserved stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with date
Estimate On Request
Sold for $1,952,000
A way to share and manage lots.
31
IWC
Ref. 3705
Model: Der Fliegerchronograph
A rare and attractive limited edition ceramic and stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with day and date, accompanied by an guarantee and presentation box
Estimate $6,000 - 12,000
Sold for $25,000
A way to share and manage lots.
32
Tudor
Ref. 7021/0
Model: Snowflake
A rare and well-preserved stainless steel divers’ wristwatch with bracelet and original presentation box
Estimate $8,000 - 16,000
Sold for $17,500
A way to share and manage lots.
33
Rolex
Ref. 116619LB; inside caseback stamped 2379
Model: Submariner Date
A very fine, heavy, and commanding white gold diver’s wristwatch with blue ceramic bezel, date, bracelet, accessories, and original hang tag
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $30,000
A way to share and manage lots.
34
IWC
Model: Mark IX
A very rare and oversized stainless steel aviator’s wristwatch with rotating bezel and subsidiary seconds
Estimate $10,000 - 20,000
Sold for $25,000
A way to share and manage lots.
35
Omega
Ref. CK 2077
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel multi-scale chronograph wristwatch with black and grey dial and tachymeter scale
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $62,500
A way to share and manage lots.
36
Rolex
Ref. 6542; inside caseback additionally stamped 6542 IV.1958
Model: GMT-Master
A rare and well-preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with Bakelite bezel and bracelet
Estimate $60,000 - 120,000
Sold for $100,000
A way to share and manage lots.
37
Rolex
Ref. 8171
Model: "Padellone"
An extremely rare, highly attractive, and well-preserved triple calendar wristwatch with grené dial featuring luminous hour markers and hands, from family of original owner
Estimate $150,000 - 300,000
Sold for $275,000
A way to share and manage lots.
38
Patek Philippe
Ref. 530
A very rare, large, and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter
Estimate $120,000 - 240,000
Sold for $162,500
A way to share and manage lots.
39
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5070P-001
A very fine and rare platinum chronograph wristwatch with original certificate of origin, paperwork, accessories, and fitted presentation box, factory sealed
Estimate $80,000 - 160,000
Sold for $187,500
A way to share and manage lots.
40
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2499
A possibly unique, previously unknown, and extremely well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase, retailed by Gübelin
Estimate $1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for $2,024,000
A way to share and manage lots.
41
Breitling
Model: Chronomat "Pre-769"
An early and well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with circular slide rule
Estimate $4,000 - 8,000
Sold for $10,625
A way to share and manage lots.
42
Universal
Ref. 885.108
Model: Compax, “Exotic Nina Rindt”
An attractive and extremely well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter and JB Champion bracelet
Estimate $10,000 - 20,000
Sold for $27,500
A way to share and manage lots.
43
Rolex
Ref. 1601
Model: DateJust
A rare and highly attractive white gold and diamond-set wristwatch with date and sweeping center seconds
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $30,000
A way to share and manage lots.
44
Rolex
Ref. 1675
Model: GMT-Master, "Gilt Underline"
A rare and fine stainless steel dual time wristwatch with glossy “underline” dial and bracelet, accompanied by original guarantee, chronometer certificate, provenance letter, and presentation box
Estimate $25,000 - 50,000
Sold for $72,500
A way to share and manage lots.
45
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4737
Model: Cioccolatone
A very fine and rare oversized yellow gold square-shaped wristwatch with sweep center seconds and extract
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $37,500
A way to share and manage lots.
46
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5170G-001
A rare and attractive white gold chronograph wristwatch with pulsometer scale, original certificate, and presentation box
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $57,500
A way to share and manage lots.
47
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5980/1A-001
Model: Nautilus
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, integrated bracelet, original Certificate of Origin, and presentation box
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $90,000
A way to share and manage lots.
48
Rolex
Ref. 6263, inside case back stamped 6262
Model: Oyster Cosmograph, “Paul Newman Panda”
A rare, extremely well-preserved, and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and bracelet
Estimate $300,000 - 600,000
Sold for $425,000
A way to share and manage lots.
49
Rolex
Ref. 1802
Model: Day-Date, "The Sechseläuten"
A rare and fine yellow gold calendar wristwatch with smooth bezel and bracelet, retailed by Beyer
Estimate $12,000 - 24,000
Sold for $27,500
A way to share and manage lots.
50
Heuer
Ref. 1133
Model: Monaco Piece d’Art
An extraordinary and unique stainless steel 50th anniversary chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee, unique presentation box, original drawing, and accessories, sold to benefit charity
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $81,250
A way to share and manage lots.
51
Benrus
Ref. The first, DTU-2A/P MIL-W-38188
The second, 6088
Model: The first, N/A
The second, Ultra-Deep
A pair of rare and historically important stainless steel military wristwatches, from the family of the original owner and with provenance letter
Estimate $2,000 - 4,000
Sold for $30,000
A way to share and manage lots.
52
Omega
Ref. 2179/2
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel military wristwatch with center seconds, radial numerals, and “US Army” engraving on caseback
Estimate $10,000 - 20,000
Sold for $21,250
A way to share and manage lots.
53
IWC
Ref. 431
Model: B-Uhr
A rare oversized pilot’s wristwatch with indirect center seconds
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $22,500
A way to share and manage lots.
54
Rolex
Ref. 6205
Model: Submariner
An early, extremely rare, and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Sold for $162,500
A way to share and manage lots.
55
Rolex
Ref. 1665
Model: Sea Dweller
A very rare, well preserved and historically important stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, with original guarantee, box made for the Sultan of Oman, from the son of the original owner, including a hand-written letter on the history of the watch and related provenance material
Estimate $200,000 - 400,000
Sold for $462,500
A way to share and manage lots.
56
Rolex
Ref. 6538; inside caseback stamped III.57
Model: Submariner “Big Crown 4-Liner"
A very fine, rare, and interesting stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with glossy “four-liner” dial and oversized crown
Estimate $80,000 - 160,000
Sold for $100,000
A way to share and manage lots.
57
Rolex
Ref. 6241; inner caseback additionally stamped 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona “Cherry Logo”
An extremely rare, early, and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and “Cherry” Daytona designation
Estimate $80,000 - 160,000
Sold for $106,250
A way to share and manage lots.
58
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5101R-001
A very fine and rare pink gold rectangular tourbillon chronometer wristwatch with 10-day power reserve, certificate of origin, presentation box and original accessoriessories
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Sold for $125,000
A way to share and manage lots.
59
Patek Philippe
Ref. 899
Model: Squelette
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold and blue guilloche enamel skeletonized open face pocket watch with original certificate of origin
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $75,000
A way to share and manage lots.
60
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/001
Model: Nautilus "Jumbo"
A rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, accompanied with original Certificate of Origin and cork presentation box, retailed by Beyer Chronometrie
Estimate $50,000 - 100,000
Sold for $93,750
A way to share and manage lots.
61
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5131/1P-001
Model: World Time
A very rare and exceptional platinum world time wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial and platinum bracelet, accompanied by certificate of origin and presentation box, factory sealed
Estimate $100,000 - 200,000
Sold for $175,000
A way to share and manage lots.
62
A. Lange & Söhne
Ref. 101.026
Model: Lange 1
An extremely rare and important stainless steel wristwatch with oversized date and power reserve, in “New Old Stock” condition
Estimate $150,000 - 300,000
Sold for $343,750
A way to share and manage lots.
63
Rolex
Ref. 6241; inner caseback also stamped 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman "John Player Special"
A very fine, well-preserved, and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman” dial and original guarantee
Estimate $350,000 - 700,000
Sold for $758,000
A way to share and manage lots.
64
Patek Philippe
Ref. 1518
A previously unknown, extremely rare, and highly attractive pink gold perpetual chronograph wristwatch with pink dial and moon phase
Estimate $1,200,000 - 2,400,000
Sold for $2,300,000
A way to share and manage lots.
65
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5711/1P
Model: Nautilus
A rare and highly attractive platinum and diamond-set 40th anniversary wristwatch with date and bracelet, with certificate of origin and original cork presentation box, factory sealed
Estimate $150,000 - 300,000
Sold for $350,000
A way to share and manage lots.
66
Patek Philippe
Ref. 2438/1
A very rare, well-preserved, and important yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase, center seconds and screw-back case
Estimate $200,000 - 400,000
Sold for $262,500
A way to share and manage lots.
67
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25721ST
Model: Royal Oak Offshore “The Beast”
An early and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, tachymeter scale, and blue tapisserie dial
Estimate $15,000 - 30,000
Sold for $33,750
A way to share and manage lots.
68
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5270G-001
A very fine and rare white gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphase, leap year, and day/night indicator, additional case back, original Certificate of Origin, and fitted presentation box
Estimate $70,000 - 140,000
Sold for $100,000
A way to share and manage lots.
69
Omega
Ref. The first: 5912.30.22, 18K yellow gold
The second: 5932.30.23, 18K rose gold
The third: 5942.30.31, 18K white gold
Model: DeVille Co-Axial
A very rare and important limited edition set of three gold Co-Axial skeletonized chronometer wristwatches, each with an international guarantee, Chronometer Certificate, accompanied with an Omega Certificate of Authenticity, letter from George Daniels
Estimate $25,000 - 50,000
Sold for $40,000
A way to share and manage lots.
70
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3710/1A
Model: Nautilus
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, power reserve and bracelet, accompanied with certificate of origin and presentation box, in "New Old Stock" condition
Estimate $40,000 - 80,000
Sold for $75,000
A way to share and manage lots.
71
This lot is no longer available.
72
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 7910V/000T-B603
Model: Overseas Dual-Time Prototype
A unique and attractive titanium and tantalum anti-magnetic dual-time wristwatch with day/night indicator, central seconds, and date, worn by Cory Richards on Mount Everest with proceeds going to charity
Estimate $20,000 - 40,000 •
Sold for $106,250
A way to share and manage lots.
73
F.P. Journe
Model: Octa Réserve de Marche
An extremely rare, very early, and exceptional platinum automatic wristwatch with asymmetric hour and minute display, large date aperture, and power reserve, with gold dial and brass movement
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $250,000
A way to share and manage lots.
74
Philippe Dufour
Model: Simplicity
An extremely rare and important platinum wristwatch with original certificate, presentation box, and three accompanying straps
Estimate $150,000 - 300,000
Sold for $325,000
A way to share and manage lots.
75
Urwerk
Ref. UR-105 CT Iron
Model: Endgame
A rare, very fine titanium, and unique wristwatch with satellite time display, twin turbine winding system, power reserve, with original international warranty and presentation box, worn by Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Endgame, with proceeds going to charity
Estimate $30,000 - 60,000
Sold for $312,500
A way to share and manage lots.