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Lot Essay
This particular example of reference 6238 is offered in very attractive condition: the dial is stunning and preserved in lovely, fully original condition. The case as well is absolutely remarkable: probably unpolished, it fully showcases the proper proportions and finish the connoisseur would expect to see on this model.
The sublime condition, however, represents only half of the appeal of this timepiece: in fact, it features a rare transitional dial. While most 6238 mount a dial featuring baton numerals (a configuration very close to what will be used for the Daytona 6239, but without the subsidiary dials in contrast with the dial), the present watch features dagger numerals, which is a style much closer to previous models such as 6234. Beyond the unusual aesthetics and the rarity of this configuration, this timepiece is also of great interest for the insight it gives us about Rolex’s manufacturing process at the time. It is well known that many parts were interchangeable between models and were used disregarding of originally intended reference, until depletion of the stock. The most classic example of this habit consists in the mismatching case backs often found in Daytona references. It would appear that in this case the same logic was used, but with a dial – a much more prominent and important part of the watch. This demonstrates how, back in those days, the company was more focused on providing reliable and robust movements (after all Rolex watches are designed and born as tool watches). The aesthetic canons, albeit important, were less of a concern than they are today, and exceptions, modifications and variations were most definitely not unheard of.
The sublime condition, however, represents only half of the appeal of this timepiece: in fact, it features a rare transitional dial. While most 6238 mount a dial featuring baton numerals (a configuration very close to what will be used for the Daytona 6239, but without the subsidiary dials in contrast with the dial), the present watch features dagger numerals, which is a style much closer to previous models such as 6234. Beyond the unusual aesthetics and the rarity of this configuration, this timepiece is also of great interest for the insight it gives us about Rolex’s manufacturing process at the time. It is well known that many parts were interchangeable between models and were used disregarding of originally intended reference, until depletion of the stock. The most classic example of this habit consists in the mismatching case backs often found in Daytona references. It would appear that in this case the same logic was used, but with a dial – a much more prominent and important part of the watch. This demonstrates how, back in those days, the company was more focused on providing reliable and robust movements (after all Rolex watches are designed and born as tool watches). The aesthetic canons, albeit important, were less of a concern than they are today, and exceptions, modifications and variations were most definitely not unheard of.