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Lot Essay
US$20,000-30,000
Reference 6238 is sadly still under-valued in today's market compared to his elder brother "Daytona". The overall look of reference 6238 appears more elegant and less sporty, giving it a more discreet look than the "Daytona". The "albino" dial, with its very "clinical" look, perfectly matches the steel case. The result is very sleek and at the same time very minimalistic, rending it a strong contemporary look.
With this rare example offered here for auction, the dial has elegantly taken on warm patinated tones and offers further depth and contrasts to the dial, which is very appealing to the eye. The case displays generous proportions and the lugs still display their original satin finish. The reference and serial numbers between the lugs are perfectly legible and testify of the great care it received over the years. The present lot is a formidable example and will delight its future owner.
Known in the watch world as the "Pre-Daytona", reference 6238 enjoys enormous popularity due to its rarity and historical significance within the company's history. In production only from approximately 1962 to 1967, this three-body watch was the company's last traditional chronograph with polished bezel. It is the immediate predecessor of Rolex's successful line of Cosmograph Daytona watches launched in the 1960s. With its 36 mm. diameter, it is also a very sporty, yet very subtle watch and easily wearable on any occasion.
The Pre-Daytona came with a Valjoux base calibre 72B or the modified Rolex version cal. 722.
Reference 6238 is sadly still under-valued in today's market compared to his elder brother "Daytona". The overall look of reference 6238 appears more elegant and less sporty, giving it a more discreet look than the "Daytona". The "albino" dial, with its very "clinical" look, perfectly matches the steel case. The result is very sleek and at the same time very minimalistic, rending it a strong contemporary look.
With this rare example offered here for auction, the dial has elegantly taken on warm patinated tones and offers further depth and contrasts to the dial, which is very appealing to the eye. The case displays generous proportions and the lugs still display their original satin finish. The reference and serial numbers between the lugs are perfectly legible and testify of the great care it received over the years. The present lot is a formidable example and will delight its future owner.
Known in the watch world as the "Pre-Daytona", reference 6238 enjoys enormous popularity due to its rarity and historical significance within the company's history. In production only from approximately 1962 to 1967, this three-body watch was the company's last traditional chronograph with polished bezel. It is the immediate predecessor of Rolex's successful line of Cosmograph Daytona watches launched in the 1960s. With its 36 mm. diameter, it is also a very sporty, yet very subtle watch and easily wearable on any occasion.
The Pre-Daytona came with a Valjoux base calibre 72B or the modified Rolex version cal. 722.