173
Rolex
Ref. 6234
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with telemeter and tachymeter dial
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 25,000€13,900 - 23,200$14,900 - 24,800
CHF37,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- circa 1961
- Reference No
- 6234
- Case No
- 688'579
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1955, reference 6234 is better known as the 'Godfather' of Daytonas whose case shape it inspired.
In production for a very short time, Rolex ceased production in 1961 and replaced it with the reference 6238. During this period reference 6234 was made in a variety of case metals and dials ranging from those with a matte or lacquer finish, to various subsidiary register sizes, and even contrasting tachometer/telemeter color combinations. These variations were used to gauge the market’s tastes for chronograph wristwatches.
Nevertheless, one feature the dials did have in common was a tachymeter scale on the outer track, and a telemeter scale printed in the inner track.
The present lot is part of the last models made before production ceased.
In production for a very short time, Rolex ceased production in 1961 and replaced it with the reference 6238. During this period reference 6234 was made in a variety of case metals and dials ranging from those with a matte or lacquer finish, to various subsidiary register sizes, and even contrasting tachometer/telemeter color combinations. These variations were used to gauge the market’s tastes for chronograph wristwatches.
Nevertheless, one feature the dials did have in common was a tachymeter scale on the outer track, and a telemeter scale printed in the inner track.
The present lot is part of the last models made before production ceased.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.
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