Christie’s roundel
Lot 33

Rolex. A fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER CHRONOGRAPH, ANTI-MAGNETIC, REF. 6234, CASE NO. 530'473, MANUFACTURED IN 1959

Closed10 May 2010

Price Realised

CHF 32,500

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Rolex. A fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet
Signed Rolex, Oyster Chronograph, Anti-Magnetic, ref. 6234, case no. 530'473, manufactured in 1959
Cal. 72 nickel-finished lever movement, 17 jewels, silvered dial, applied dagger numerals with luminous accents, luminous hands, outer five minute divisions, blue telemetre and black tachymetre scales, three engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registers, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, screw back, screw down crown, two round chronograph buttons in the band, stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Specialist note

The present watch is an attractive and well preserved example of the classic 1950s Oyster chronograph series. Made at a time when the Cosmograph and Daytona family were not yet introduced, it epitomizes the sporty timing instrument for the gentleman. An interesting feature worth mentioning is the case back still displaying the finely engraved "STAINLESS STEEL" around the edge - an inscription often lost after the first or second polishing. The fact that it is still visible shows how little the case back was exposed to careless wear and refinishing.

Different examples of reference 6234 are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 120-127, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 254-276.