Rolex’s reference 6238 manual wound chronograph wristwatch was both the end of an era for the brand, and the beginning of something new, which would go on in the ensuing years to become one of their most successful wristwatches ever. The reference 6238 became known as the “pre-Daytona” because following this model, Rolex removed the tachymeter scale from the dial and added it to the bezel, which not only opened up the watch dial, making it more readable, but also giving the watch a less cluttered modern aesthetic. Also incorporating contrasting sub-dials, the new reference 6239 released in 1963 was the first in a long line of models that today are iconic wristwatches that are all known today as the “Cosmograph Daytona”. The reference 6238 was produced for a short period from the early 1960s until 1967 and produced in stainless steel and yellow gold.

What makes this reference 6238 exceptional is its extremely rare dark grey colored dial – by far the rarest dial variant used for these “pre-Daytona” chronographs according to scholarship. Featuring a radiant sunburst pattern, its stunning dial has luminous hour markers and hands that have aged to a pleasing yellow hue. Not only is it fitted with a highly sought after dial, the present reference 6238’s case is very well-preserved, with a sharp bezel and strongly defined lugs. Collectors today seek vintage timepieces that not only are in excellent condition, but also have a historical context in the evolution of wristwatches. This “pre-Daytona” reference 6238 is a top quality example and one of the finest to appear at auction – a trophy watch for the savvy collector.