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Lot Essay
Reference 6034 is the successor to reference 4537, and was in production during the 1950s and early 1960s. The majority were cased in stainless steel or 18k gold, with an exception of a small series in 14k gold.
The present example is a unique variance of the so called 'pre-Daytona'. With both case and dial in very appealing condition, it has features which are so rare that it will pique the interest the most discerning collector:
Firstly, the dial is unique. It features a remarkably attractive color. that will only be found on this watch. Since its production in 1962, the dial has aged and changed color from the once black dial to now a gorgeous tobacco color, darker towards the edges. As no two dials can age in the same way, the new color is simply mesmerizing and this watch is truly one of a kind.
Secondly, one will notice on closer inspection that the dial is clearly marked with two 'T' letters just below the 6 o'clock register. This highlights that the luminous dial contains tritium. Since Rolex started using Tritium instead of Radium around this time, one can speculate that this is an extremely rare transitional example, seldom found and almost never seen for sale.
Thirdly, upon inspection of the movement, it is stamped ROW, indicating it was made specifically for the American market.
The present watch is an extremely attractive specimen, ticking all the boxes for a truly exceptional and well-preserved vintage Rolex timepiece.
Different versions of the model are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 230 - 251.
The present example is a unique variance of the so called 'pre-Daytona'. With both case and dial in very appealing condition, it has features which are so rare that it will pique the interest the most discerning collector:
Firstly, the dial is unique. It features a remarkably attractive color. that will only be found on this watch. Since its production in 1962, the dial has aged and changed color from the once black dial to now a gorgeous tobacco color, darker towards the edges. As no two dials can age in the same way, the new color is simply mesmerizing and this watch is truly one of a kind.
Secondly, one will notice on closer inspection that the dial is clearly marked with two 'T' letters just below the 6 o'clock register. This highlights that the luminous dial contains tritium. Since Rolex started using Tritium instead of Radium around this time, one can speculate that this is an extremely rare transitional example, seldom found and almost never seen for sale.
Thirdly, upon inspection of the movement, it is stamped ROW, indicating it was made specifically for the American market.
The present watch is an extremely attractive specimen, ticking all the boxes for a truly exceptional and well-preserved vintage Rolex timepiece.
Different versions of the model are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 230 - 251.