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Lot Essay
Christie’s is honored to offer the present Rolex Anti-Magnetic 'Pre-Daytona' reference 6238 on behalf of the family of the original owner, Colonel Robert J. Barbour, United States Marine Corps Fighter Pilot. The watch is an exceptionally well-preserved example with a strong and sharp case, and pristine early dial configuration.
Colonel Robert J. Barbour
Few personal possessions embody history with the quiet authority of a wristwatch worn in combat. The present Rolex, belonging to Colonel Robert J. Barbour of the United States Marine Corps, stands as far more than an example of a well-preserved reference 6238 — worn during active service by a decorated Marine aviator whose courage and leadership earned him two of the United States military’s highest honors: the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Robert J. Barbour served with Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-212, flying combat missions over Korea during some of the war’s most demanding aerial engagements. An aviator of exceptional instinct and composure, Captain Barbour, later promoted to Colonel, consistently demonstrated the qualities synonymous with the finest Marine officers: discipline under fire, unwavering resolve, and absolute dedication to both mission success and the safety of his fellow airmen.
The Silver Star — 2 May 1952
The Silver Star, the United States Armed Forces’ third-highest decoration for valor in combat, was awarded to Captain Barbour for extraordinary gallantry during an aerial assault on heavily defended enemy positions on 2 May 1952.
The Distinguished Flying Cross — 3 March 1952
Earlier that same year, on 3 March 1952, Captain Barbour was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial combat. Leading a four-aircraft strike mission in treacherous terrain.
The Reference 6238
Produced from approximately 1962 to 1968, the Rolex reference 6238—often referred to as the “Pre-Daytona”—represents a pivotal chapter in Rolex’s chronograph lineage, bridging the aesthetic transition from classical designs to the sportier Daytona models that would follow. The present watch, dating to the early years of the reference, can be considered a “transitional” 6238, distinguished by its earlier, more classical dial style. It features a multi-scale configuration and “Anti-Magnetic” text, characteristics carried over from its predecessors, the reference 6034 and reference 6234. The later and more recognizable reference 6238s have a more refined and highly legible minimalist dial with small tachymeter printing on the periphery. Powering the watch is the manually wound Valjoux-based caliber 72B (later renamed the cal. 722 in 1965), renowned for its robustness and precision. Available in stainless steel as well as yellow gold, the reference 6238 remains an elegant yet sporty timepiece, admired for its understated sophistication and its important role in the evolution of Rolex chronographs.
Colonel Robert J. Barbour
Few personal possessions embody history with the quiet authority of a wristwatch worn in combat. The present Rolex, belonging to Colonel Robert J. Barbour of the United States Marine Corps, stands as far more than an example of a well-preserved reference 6238 — worn during active service by a decorated Marine aviator whose courage and leadership earned him two of the United States military’s highest honors: the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Robert J. Barbour served with Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-212, flying combat missions over Korea during some of the war’s most demanding aerial engagements. An aviator of exceptional instinct and composure, Captain Barbour, later promoted to Colonel, consistently demonstrated the qualities synonymous with the finest Marine officers: discipline under fire, unwavering resolve, and absolute dedication to both mission success and the safety of his fellow airmen.
The Silver Star — 2 May 1952
The Silver Star, the United States Armed Forces’ third-highest decoration for valor in combat, was awarded to Captain Barbour for extraordinary gallantry during an aerial assault on heavily defended enemy positions on 2 May 1952.
The Distinguished Flying Cross — 3 March 1952
Earlier that same year, on 3 March 1952, Captain Barbour was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial combat. Leading a four-aircraft strike mission in treacherous terrain.
The Reference 6238
Produced from approximately 1962 to 1968, the Rolex reference 6238—often referred to as the “Pre-Daytona”—represents a pivotal chapter in Rolex’s chronograph lineage, bridging the aesthetic transition from classical designs to the sportier Daytona models that would follow. The present watch, dating to the early years of the reference, can be considered a “transitional” 6238, distinguished by its earlier, more classical dial style. It features a multi-scale configuration and “Anti-Magnetic” text, characteristics carried over from its predecessors, the reference 6034 and reference 6234. The later and more recognizable reference 6238s have a more refined and highly legible minimalist dial with small tachymeter printing on the periphery. Powering the watch is the manually wound Valjoux-based caliber 72B (later renamed the cal. 722 in 1965), renowned for its robustness and precision. Available in stainless steel as well as yellow gold, the reference 6238 remains an elegant yet sporty timepiece, admired for its understated sophistication and its important role in the evolution of Rolex chronographs.