Rolex. A very attractive and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black gloss "Tropical" dial and bracelet
Lot 137

Rolex. A very attractive and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black gloss "Tropical" dial and bracelet

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 6034, CASE NO. 692'583, MANUFACTURED IN 1950

Closed12 November 2012

Price Realised

CHF 183,000

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Rolex. A very attractive and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black gloss "Tropical" dial and bracelet
Signed Rolex, Oyster Chronograph, ref. 6034, case no. 692'583, manufactured in 1950
Cal. 72 mechanical movement, 17 jewels, black gloss dial, applied dagger numerals with luminous accents, luminous hands, outer telemetre and 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 riveted expanding bracelet and clasp stamped 2.69, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Specialist note

The present reference 6034 is a particularly attractive example of this legendary chronograph model, distinguished by the highly appealing warm chocolate-brown "tropical" dial.
The lack of the "Amagnetic" signature on the dial and the presence of the super oyster crown even further enhance its rarity.

Amongst the most coveted trophies within the Rolex Oyster chronograph family of references 6034 and 6234 must be considered examples featuring a black lacquer dial.

Such lacquered black dials must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as revealing a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the "Rolex" signature and the outer scientific scales are not printed on the black lacquered background but underneath and shine through in negative relief. However to further enhance its sophistication "Oyster Chronograph" is printed in a off-white tone onto the black background.
The present reference 6034 is a superbly appealing chronograph, one of the best-looking watches from the golden age of Rolex chronographs for daily wear.

The present watch, no. 692'583, is fully described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 114 & 115.

For different versions of stainless steel references 6034 and 6234 with black lacquer dial see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 240 & 241 and 256 & 257.