31
Rolex
Ref. 6240 "The Oyster Alpina" inside case back stamped 6239
Cosmograph Oyster
A highly rare, early and fascinating stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with silvered dial displaying reverse configuration, tachymeter bezel and bracelet.
- Estimate
- CHF150,000 - 300,000
CHF348,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1965
- Reference No
- 6240 "The Oyster Alpina" inside case back stamped 6239
- Case No
- 1’206’039
- Model Name
- Cosmograph Oyster
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel riveted Rolex C&I bracelet, max. length 200mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.65
- Dimensions
- 37.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Prominently displayed in literature, this Cosmograph Oyster was manufactured the very year that Rolex introduced reference 6240.
One of the earliest examples of the reference, the dial displays “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”, acknowledging the new and innovative water resistant screw-down pushers. This concept is forerunner to the better-known “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman” as both variants feature the word “Oyster” below “Rolex Cosmograph” turning the typical dial layout upside down. Exceedingly rare, research shows that a handful of these watches are known.
Another detail of note is the “–T Swiss T–” designation at 6 o’clock, which is correct for the 1.2 million serial number. The next generation series do not feature dash marks flanking “T Swiss T”.
Other particulars are the correct first generation pushers with the brass peeking through, which have aged with patina. This Cosmograph furthermore retains its MK 1 bezel and original twinlock 700 series winding crown, characterized by the large Rolex coronet. The Rolex C&I bracelet stamped Rolex USA also corresponds to the year of manufacture.
One of the earliest examples of the reference, the dial displays “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”, acknowledging the new and innovative water resistant screw-down pushers. This concept is forerunner to the better-known “Oyster Sotto Paul Newman” as both variants feature the word “Oyster” below “Rolex Cosmograph” turning the typical dial layout upside down. Exceedingly rare, research shows that a handful of these watches are known.
Another detail of note is the “–T Swiss T–” designation at 6 o’clock, which is correct for the 1.2 million serial number. The next generation series do not feature dash marks flanking “T Swiss T”.
Other particulars are the correct first generation pushers with the brass peeking through, which have aged with patina. This Cosmograph furthermore retains its MK 1 bezel and original twinlock 700 series winding crown, characterized by the large Rolex coronet. The Rolex C&I bracelet stamped Rolex USA also corresponds to the year of manufacture.
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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