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Lot Essay
The present watch is a formidable example of a chronograph reference 6238, captivating the observer with its charismatic and rare black lacquer dial. Upon close inspection, the keen enthusiast will notice its beautiful aging, characterized by a display of closely spread tiny ochre-coloured spots. This patina with its appealing warm tone is testimony to the originality of the watch.
It must also be pointed out that the tachymetre scale of this captivating and well-preserved timepiece has been designed for miles per hour.
Black lacquered dials, such as found on this watch, must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as they reveal a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the "Rolex" signature and the outer tachymetre scale for miles per hour are not printed on the black lacquered background but underneath and shine through in negative relief.
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 diameter of 36 mm. 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.
For more detailed descriptions and illustrations of reference 6238 see 100 Years of Rolex by Franca and Guido Mondani, pp. 104-106, as well as 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 128-137 and I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 278-291.
It must also be pointed out that the tachymetre scale of this captivating and well-preserved timepiece has been designed for miles per hour.
Black lacquered dials, such as found on this watch, must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as they reveal a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the "Rolex" signature and the outer tachymetre scale for miles per hour are not printed on the black lacquered background but underneath and shine through in negative relief.
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 diameter of 36 mm. 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.
For more detailed descriptions and illustrations of reference 6238 see 100 Years of Rolex by Franca and Guido Mondani, pp. 104-106, as well as 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 128-137 and I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 278-291.