Lot Essay
Rolex chronographs in steel are the effigy of a new society with a different lifestyle in the 20th century. In fact, sometime after the 1920s, the wealthy and active would shift their hobbies from indoor activities to sports and other, more adventurous endeavors. Consequently, the watchmaking industry adapted rapidly to the new needs, mainly the necessity for water-resistant and shock-proof wristwatches which could be worn in more hazardous environments.
Hardly any manufacturer replied more suitably to this trend than Rolex and the steel references 6034 and 6234 could not better meet the combination of gentlemanly class and sporty nature. Amongst these models, undoubtedly, the black-dialed versions are not only the rarest but certainly also the most appealing. In fact, these black dials are of such sophistication that still fifty years after their making they fascinate scholars.
Close inspection reveals that the outer scientific scales are on a level underneath the black lacquered background and shine through in negative relief. The Rolex name, but also "Oyster Chronograph" and "Antimagnetic" are printed in a subtle off-white tone, adding to the complexity and enhancing its rich appeal.
The present watch is a superb representative of this family and is not only "as good as it can get" when it comes to looks but still, half a century later, offers the same practical and enjoyable wear to its lucky owner as when originally launched on the market.
For very similar examples see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 240, 241, 256 and 257, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 87, 114, 115, 126 and 127.
Hardly any manufacturer replied more suitably to this trend than Rolex and the steel references 6034 and 6234 could not better meet the combination of gentlemanly class and sporty nature. Amongst these models, undoubtedly, the black-dialed versions are not only the rarest but certainly also the most appealing. In fact, these black dials are of such sophistication that still fifty years after their making they fascinate scholars.
Close inspection reveals that the outer scientific scales are on a level underneath the black lacquered background and shine through in negative relief. The Rolex name, but also "Oyster Chronograph" and "Antimagnetic" are printed in a subtle off-white tone, adding to the complexity and enhancing its rich appeal.
The present watch is a superb representative of this family and is not only "as good as it can get" when it comes to looks but still, half a century later, offers the same practical and enjoyable wear to its lucky owner as when originally launched on the market.
For very similar examples see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 240, 241, 256 and 257, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 87, 114, 115, 126 and 127.