ROLEX PRE-DAYTONA CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 6238

In production from the early 1960s to around 1967, reference 6238 is often referred to as the “pre-Daytona”. Indeed it seems to be a “trait d’union” between earlier Rolex chronographs and the Daytona Cosmograph: the case style and proportions are nearly identical to the first Daytona, reference 6239, but the tachymeter scale on the bezel, a defining trait of all Daytonas, is still missing. The scale is instead placed on the dial, typical of earlier Rolex chronographs. The ROW stamp on the balance wheel bridge indicates the watch was imported and sold in the United States, adding a layer of appeal and historical interest to this refined timepiece.