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Lot Essay
Amongst collectors, reference 6238 is often referred to as the "Pre-Daytona" and enjoys today growing popularity within the community of Rolex aficionados. In 1960, Rolex launched model 6238, their last traditional chronograph wristwatch with polished bezel. It was made in stainless steel and gold.
The present watch features an exceptionally rare transitional dial, combining stylistic elements of reference 6234, its direct predecessor, and reference 6238. Whereas the dial no longer shows the "Oyster Chronograph" and "Anti-Magnetic" designations, as its earlier peers, it does not yet have the "soleil" finish as commonly found on reference 6238 with silvered dial. Another attractive particularity is the line underneath the "Chronograph" writing, better known to Rolex collectors as a feature of the very first Daytona models introduced at around 1963, the year of manufacture of the present watch. Such Daytonas are also called the "Underlined" Cosmograph.
Different versions of reference 6238 in regard to case material and dial layout are is described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 278 - 291. La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 278 - 291.
The present watch features an exceptionally rare transitional dial, combining stylistic elements of reference 6234, its direct predecessor, and reference 6238. Whereas the dial no longer shows the "Oyster Chronograph" and "Anti-Magnetic" designations, as its earlier peers, it does not yet have the "soleil" finish as commonly found on reference 6238 with silvered dial. Another attractive particularity is the line underneath the "Chronograph" writing, better known to Rolex collectors as a feature of the very first Daytona models introduced at around 1963, the year of manufacture of the present watch. Such Daytonas are also called the "Underlined" Cosmograph.
Different versions of reference 6238 in regard to case material and dial layout are is described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 278 - 291. La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 278 - 291.