ROLEX. A FINE AND RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND BLACK DIAL
Lot 2594

ROLEX. A FINE AND RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND BLACK DIAL

SIGNED ROLEX, CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 6238, CASE NO. 1'207'190, CIRCA 1965

Closed27 November 2013

Price Realised

HKD 475,000

More Information

How to sell

ROLEX. A FINE AND RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND BLACK DIAL
SIGNED ROLEX, CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 6238, CASE NO. 1'207'190, CIRCA 1965
Cal. 72B mechanical lever movement, 17 jewels, black matte dial, applied baton numerals, three engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour registers, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, screw back, screw down crown, two chronograph buttons in the band, stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable riveted bracelet stamped 3.64 and deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Specialist note

US$40,000-60,000

With Rolex fitted presentation box.


The present watch is a formidable and collectable example of a chronograph reference 6238, captivating the observer with its charismatic and rare black dial.

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.