





167
Rolex
Ref. 6238
An exceptionally well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF90,000 - 180,000€97,300 - 195,000$110,000 - 221,000
CHF228,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1964
- Reference No
- 6238
- Case No
- 1'038'616
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 722, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Gilt Rolex buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex blank Guarantee dated 17 December 1964, Chronometer Certification slip, green leather presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
A milestone of Rolex’s chronograph history, the reference 6238, known as the "Pre-Daytona", was produced in a variety of dial combinations, encased in stainless steel, 14k or 18k yellow gold. They were fitted with silver, grey, or black dials, with tachymeter and/or telemeter scales printed directly on the dials differentiating them from their successors, the Cosmograph Daytona.
Terms the Geneva team have debated using to describe this watch include "Time Capsule", "Preservation Class" and "Museum Grade". The astounding condition of this watch sets it apart from its peers. Having previously resided in the John Goldberger collection, it has always sold leaps and bounds above the low estimate every time it has appeared at auction - an affirmation of the quality of the present timepiece.
Featuring full, thick lugs and a wide bezel, its proportions are excellent. In addition, there are two sharp hallmarks punched beneath the lugs that are incredibly crisp. The numbers between the lugs are deep and visible, and they have never seen intervention throughout their lives. It features full luminous dots that display warm patina, matching the hands. Adding even another element of delight, it is accompanied by its blank Guarantee dated 17 December 1964, Chronometer Certification slip, green leather presentation box and outer packaging. Such rare gems hardly ever come on the market, marking an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a watch that is "best in its class" for that category.
Terms the Geneva team have debated using to describe this watch include "Time Capsule", "Preservation Class" and "Museum Grade". The astounding condition of this watch sets it apart from its peers. Having previously resided in the John Goldberger collection, it has always sold leaps and bounds above the low estimate every time it has appeared at auction - an affirmation of the quality of the present timepiece.
Featuring full, thick lugs and a wide bezel, its proportions are excellent. In addition, there are two sharp hallmarks punched beneath the lugs that are incredibly crisp. The numbers between the lugs are deep and visible, and they have never seen intervention throughout their lives. It features full luminous dots that display warm patina, matching the hands. Adding even another element of delight, it is accompanied by its blank Guarantee dated 17 December 1964, Chronometer Certification slip, green leather presentation box and outer packaging. Such rare gems hardly ever come on the market, marking an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a watch that is "best in its class" for that category.
Provenance
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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