Rolex's chronograph reference 6238 is the last chronograph model with a smooth bezel and graduated scale printed on the dial. A sporty yet elegant watch, its design is more modern compared to earlier Rolex Chronograph watches. The immediate predecessor of reference 6239, the first Cosmograph Daytona released by Rolex, it is also known amongst collectors as the "Pre-Daytona”.

The vast majority was cased in stainless steel, very few watches in 18 carat gold. The present lot, from a very small series made in 14 carat gold and exclusively reserved for the North American market, can be considered an exceptional example matching all the criteria of a discerning collector: the rarity of the model, the sublime design, the sharpness of the case and the exceptional original grené black dial with gilt graphics.

The present example, bearing the serial number 1’836’292, is dated to 1968 and is absolutely correct to be designated at the lower edge as “T-SWISS-T", indicating that tritium was used for the luminous hands and hour pointers. Black dials on gold reference 6238 are the rarest version of this reference and the present watch is presented in excellent and original overall condition.