Rolex Ref. 6238
Manufacturer: Rolex Year: circa 1966 Reference No: 6238 Case No: 1'207'302 Model Name: "Pre-Daytona" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex USA C&I riveted Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm. Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex USA C&I 7-70 Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: Similar examples of this reference are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 278-291, as well as 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 128-137 Catalogue Essay The reference 6238 is undoubtedly a milestone in Rolex's chronograph history. Launched in 1960, it is the last model to feature a plain bezel and an inner tachymeter scale. It can also be described as Rolex’s first modern chronograph, and one that would pave the way to reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona ever released by Rolex. Thus the nickname “Pre-Daytona” given by collectors to reference 6238. Interestingly even though it is called the Pre-Daytona, the reference 6238 was produced in parallel to reference 6239 with which they share certain design elements such as the crown, the pushers, case and indexes. However, while the Cosmograph Daytona always featured a two tone dial with either black with silver subdials or vice versa, the reference 6238 was offered only with a monochrome dial. These small details make a massive difference for collectors making the Pre-Daytona a favorite amongst vintage Rolex aficionados and conoisseurs. The matte black, or so-called “grené” finished dial, is particularly rare, as the majority of this reference was available with a silvered dial. The present dial is part of the second generation grené dials with silver printing. The “T-SWISS-T” found at the dial’s lower edge by 6 o’clock indicates that Tritium was used for the luminous hands and hour markers. The present lot will please the discerning collector with its superb overall condition and elegant nonchalant looks, not to mention that this reference was on James Bond's (played by George Lazenby) wrist in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Read More
Rolex Ref. 6238
Manufacturer: Rolex Year: circa 1966 Reference No: 6238 Case No: 1'207'302 Model Name: "Pre-Daytona" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex USA C&I riveted Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm. Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex USA C&I 7-70 Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Literature: Similar examples of this reference are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pg. 278-291, as well as 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 128-137 Catalogue Essay The reference 6238 is undoubtedly a milestone in Rolex's chronograph history. Launched in 1960, it is the last model to feature a plain bezel and an inner tachymeter scale. It can also be described as Rolex’s first modern chronograph, and one that would pave the way to reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona ever released by Rolex. Thus the nickname “Pre-Daytona” given by collectors to reference 6238. Interestingly even though it is called the Pre-Daytona, the reference 6238 was produced in parallel to reference 6239 with which they share certain design elements such as the crown, the pushers, case and indexes. However, while the Cosmograph Daytona always featured a two tone dial with either black with silver subdials or vice versa, the reference 6238 was offered only with a monochrome dial. These small details make a massive difference for collectors making the Pre-Daytona a favorite amongst vintage Rolex aficionados and conoisseurs. The matte black, or so-called “grené” finished dial, is particularly rare, as the majority of this reference was available with a silvered dial. The present dial is part of the second generation grené dials with silver printing. The “T-SWISS-T” found at the dial’s lower edge by 6 o’clock indicates that Tritium was used for the luminous hands and hour markers. The present lot will please the discerning collector with its superb overall condition and elegant nonchalant looks, not to mention that this reference was on James Bond's (played by George Lazenby) wrist in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Read More
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
