Rare Watches, Magnificent Jewels & Objets de Vertu 14 January 2019 | Monaco

Auction Details

Include Rare Watches, Magnificent Jewels & Objets de Vertu.

2 Rolex Chronograph “pre Daytona”, Ref. 6238, Stainless Steel

Estimate: € 20,000 –⁠ 30,000

Sold € 24,700

Model: “Pre Daytona”
Material: Stainless steel
Reference N°: 6238
Year: Circa 1963
Case N°: 1000392
Caliber: 9’-90 Manual
Bracelet: Rolex Oyster, stainless steel bracelet with Rolex U.S.A. Clasp
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp

The Rolex reference 6238 is a turning point and a landmark in the Rolex chronograph history. It can either be considered the brand’s last classic chronograph or its first modern one. Produced for a short period from the beginning of the 1960s to 1967, it was the last Rolex chronograph to feature a smooth bezel with a graduated tachymeter scale on the dial but also a model that paved the way to the reference 6239. The latter was the first cosmograph Daytona ever released by Rolex, with which it shares certain design elements such as the crown, the pushers, case and indexes. Collectors often refer to reference 6238 as the “pre-Daytona”, as it is the immediate predecessor of reference 6239, the first cosmograph Daytona ever released by Rolex. The present reference 6238 is a very pleasing watch in overall good condition with a sharp bezel, strong definition to the lugs, crisp numbers in between the lugs and an unrestored sunburst silvered dial, which gives the watch a vivid modern appearance. The hands and luminous plots have turned a striking cream adding a touch of color to the monochrome dial. In addition, this watch is further accompanied by a beautiful Oyster bracelet with American clasp. The historical importance of the last “non-cosmograph” reference and superb condition of the present piece would be a crown jewel in the most important Rolex collections worldwide.

Montre Rolex en acier, modèle Chronograph « Pre-Daytona », réf. 6238. L’importance historique de cette référence « Non Cosmograph » et le très bel état de cet exemplaire lui confèrent une possible place majeure dans les collections de Rolex les plus importantes.