84 Rolex An extremely attractive, historically important and rare, Pre-Daytona chronograph manual wristwatch in steel, with black lacquer dial, reference 6238.
Estimate: € 200.000 – 400.000
Create an account or log in to place bids.
| model | Pre Daytona |
|---|---|
| year | Circa 1964 |
| reference | 6238 |
| case material | Stainless steel |
| case number | 1'076'844 |
| bracelet material | Leather strap |
| movement type | Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels |
| signed | Case, dial and movement |
A reference that quietly marked the threshold between two defining chapters in Rolex’s chronograph heritage, the reference 6238 occupies a crucial, almost architectural, place in the brand’s storied evolution. Often referred to by collectors as the “Pre-Daytona,” it was far more than a transitional model — it was the groundwork upon which the legend of the Cosmograph was built. Drawing a clear design lineage from early waterproof chronographs such as the reference 3525 of the 1930s — Rolex’s first chronograph in an Oyster case — the 6238 retained the utilitarian charm of its predecessors: monochromatic dials, outer tachymeter scale, and an elegant restraint in its design. And yet, it unmistakably paved the way forward. The enlarged crown, prominent pump pushers, streamlined baton indexes, and robust Oyster case geometry would set the stage for the Daytona’s bold arrival. In many ways, the 6238 distilled the essence of what came before while previewing the modernity just ahead — making it a cornerstone of Rolex’s chronograph lineage. Among the elusive configurations of Rolex’s revered reference 6238, few evoke the same level of reverence as the examples fitted with a black lacquer dial. Seldom seen and fiercely coveted, these rare iterations elevate an already significant reference into the realm of the exceptional. The dial is a masterpiece in its own right: a rich, glossy black surface that shimmers with the subtle depth of fine lacquer, untouched by time. Luminous hour plots have now softly mellowed into a warm, creamy hue, and the hands sweep across the dial unencumbered by blemishes or drag marks — a detail collectors will appreciate. At 6 o’clock, the correctly positioned “-T SWISS T-” signature affirms its authenticity, while the homogeniously preserved case with pronounced lugs confirms the watch has been cherished and preserved with care. Quite simply, it is one of the most charismatic and significant examples of the “Pre-Daytona” to surface in recent memory.
Condition Report
Create an account or log in to view the condition report!