US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
121
Rolex
Ref. 6238
"Pre-Daytona"
An exceptionally well-preserved, rare, and beautiful 14k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF80,000 - 160,000€86,300 - 173,000$100,000 - 201,000
CHF177,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1963
- Reference No
- 6238
- Case No
- 997'146
- Model Name
- "Pre-Daytona"
- Material
- 14k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels, bridge further stamped ROW
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Rolex buckle
- Dimensions
- 36.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated November 6, 1965, product literature and presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a superlative example of reference 6238. It is most notably cased in 14K yellow gold, indicating it was made for export to the United States. Fitting, as the movement bridge is stamped with the export mark ROW, indicating it was to be delivered to the American market.
The astounding condition of this watch furthermore sets it apart from its peers. 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. A light layer of patina has developed throughout the case, indicating that it has been untouched for a long period of time. The "transitional" dial, which is correct for the serial number, is exceptional. It features full luminous dots that display warm patina, matching the hands. Most importantly, it displays a "Miles" tachymeter scale, which is correct for American market watches.
Equally impressive is the presence of its original guarantee and presentation box - an important accessory that most existing examples do not retain today.
The astounding condition of this watch furthermore sets it apart from its peers. 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. A light layer of patina has developed throughout the case, indicating that it has been untouched for a long period of time. The "transitional" dial, which is correct for the serial number, is exceptional. It features full luminous dots that display warm patina, matching the hands. Most importantly, it displays a "Miles" tachymeter scale, which is correct for American market watches.
Equally impressive is the presence of its original guarantee and presentation box - an important accessory that most existing examples do not retain today.
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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