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Lot Essay
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.
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.