BOB’S WATCHES
The Trusted Name in Authenticated Luxury Timepieces
Every watch on our site is 100% certified authentic by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication.
Lot | 11 |
Starting Bid: | $23,000 |
Estimate: | $23,000 to 35,000 |
Manufacturer: | Rolex |
Year: | Circa 1966 |
Model Name: | Chronograph |
Reference: | 6238 |
Case Serial Number: | 1,2XX,XXX |
Condition: | Excellent condition. |
Material: | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions: | 36mm |
Bracelet: | Stainless steel oval jubilee bracelet. |
Item Number: | 132623 |
Movement: | Cal. 722, manual-winding, 17 jewels. |
Signed | Case, dial, movement, and bracelet. |
Bob's does NOT charge a buyer's premium – what you bid is what you pay.
Excellent original stunning silver tritium dial with markers that have aged to a creamy hue. The hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial and has a creamy hue. The 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, lume plots have flaked off the dial. All lume glows brightly and at the same rate when exposed to UV then falls off rapidly.
Excellent origina stainless steel case which has previously been polished in the past. Serial and reference numbers are crisp and well defined. Inner caseback is stamped 6238 C.R.S 2.
Excellent original smooth stainless steel bezel has very light wear.
Excellent original oval jubilee link bracelet with 20 links and 49 end links. Bracelet has moderate stretch from use.
Bob's presentation box, Certificate of Authenticity, and warranty card.
The Rolex reference 6238 is known as the ‘Pre-Daytona’ among collections, as it represents the turning point in Rolex’s history, where the brand’s watches first started to establish the hallmark traits that would go on to characterize Rolex chronographs for more than the next half century. Visually distinct from both its predecessors and successors, the Rolex ref. 6238 Pre-Daytona stands out as being the crossroads between the brand’s vintage chronograph models and the now-iconic Rolex Daytona collection.
The estimated production window for the ref. 6238 Pre-Daytona spans approximately 1962 to 1968, meaning that it actually existed alongside the very first Daytona for several years. During this time, it is estimated that somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 to 2,500 examples were produced, including all dial and case variations, making the ref. 6238 both rare and highly desirable due to its important role in Rolex’s history and the development of the Daytona.
This particular Rolex ref. 6238 Pre-Daytona is crafted from stainless steel and has an estimated production date of approximately 1966. Additionally, the watch features its original silver dial with black text and tritium lume that has developed warm creamy patina. While the dial of the Rolex Pre-Daytona largely resembles the overall design of its later era counterparts, the absence of a tachymeter bezel provides the ref. 6238 with a significantly different and more refined overall aesthetic.
The ref. 6238 was the last Rolex chronograph to feature its tachymeter scale printed along the periphery of the dial, and all subsequent models have featured tachymeter bezels, including the modern Daytona watches that Rolex produces today. Despite this key design difference, the ref. 6238 was the first Rolex chronograph to introduce the clean modern design that has served as the template for all Rolex Daytona dials ever since.
MOVEMENT: Chronograph is functioning. Watch comes with a Bob's Watches one year warranty.
Auction Terms & Conditions | Bob's Watches | (800) 494-3708 | Bond # 72BSBHE9842
* The money you spend bidding on items you receive at auction is not tax deductible. Please consult your accountant for all tax related questions or deduction qualifications and bid accordingly.