Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1958
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 385’778
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels, stamped "ROW"
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "7205" and "60 to the endlinks, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "B"
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1955, reference 6234 is considered to be one of the most desirable models within the Rolex Oyster chronograph family - the precursor to the Cosmograph Daytona line of timepieces.

    The present lot bewitches the beholder with its exceptionally well-preserved black gloss tropical dial; while most black gloss vintage Rolex dials tend to age with clouding, bubbling or patina - more or less strong according to its conservation history of course - the present one arrives to us in an astoundingly flawless condition, fully maintaining its glossy sheen. In this instance, the passing of time has been a blessing, as it has aged the black finish to a strong, even and immensely charming dark chocolate hue. The luminous material as well has changed color with age and it now offers a strong camel hue, perfectly fitting the dark chocolate background.

    On a graphical level, the dial design is simply a masterpiece: the telemeter and tachometer scales frame the extremely balanced dial already bearing the three-counter architecture which will be a signature trait of the Cosmograph Daytona.

    Offered in extremely appealing condition and with its original riveted bracelet, this is the opportunity to own one of the most remarkable Rolex chronographs made before the Cosmograph Daytona era.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded 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.

    View More Works

134

Ref. 6234
A very rare and extremely attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tropical dial and bracelet

Circa 1958
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€232,000-464,000
$273,000-546,000

Sold for CHF412,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020