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Lot Essay
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. In 30 years of international auctions, hardly more than a handful of such gems have been offered publicly. The present piece, offered by a distinguished collector, furthermore stands out by the distinctive "underline" dial. In fact, inbetween the "ANTI-MAGNETIC" designation and the 12 hour register is the subtle underline feature, making this reference 6034 the only recorded example known to have been offered at auction in decades with such 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", "Anti-Magnetic" and the underline are superimposed and printed, in a tone of off-white, onto the black background.
The present reference 6034 is not only an outstanding rarity in excellent overall condition but most importantly also a superbly appealing chronograph, one of the best-looking watches from the golden age of Rolex chronographs for daily wear.
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, and 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 87, 114 & 115, 122 & 123 and 126 & 127.
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", "Anti-Magnetic" and the underline are superimposed and printed, in a tone of off-white, onto the black background.
The present reference 6034 is not only an outstanding rarity in excellent overall condition but most importantly also a superbly appealing chronograph, one of the best-looking watches from the golden age of Rolex chronographs for daily wear.
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, and 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 87, 114 & 115, 122 & 123 and 126 & 127.