Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 6238
    Case No: 1’422’464
    Model Name: “Pre-Daytona”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Dubbed by collectors as the “Pre-Daytona”, the Rolex ref. 6238 was the very last chronograph model released by Rolex before the firm introduced the famed Cosmograph in 1963. While its aesthetics form the foundation of the ref. 6239, the model was most notable for its smooth bezel with the absence of a tachymeter scale that was introduced in the ref. 6239. Powered by the cal. 72B, early examples of the ref. 6239 essentially carried the same caliber as its previous reference.

    The present example Rolex ref. 6238 in 18K yellow gold with a 1.4 million serial from circa 1966 belongs to the very last batch of the reference produced overlapping the ref. 6239. Much rarer than its stainless steel counterpart, the present example in 18K yellow gold boasts an unrestored dial. Naturally aged with a strong vintage appeal, two hallmarks remain crisp and sharp underneath is lugs. A wonderful chronograph to have on your wrist during a weekend cruise along the coasts of South Bay.

  • 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.

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1086

Ref. 6238
A fine and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1966
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$390,000 - 780,000 
€49,700-99,400
$50,000-100,000

Sold for HK$529,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022