Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong, Jun 27, 2009

LOT 95

Ref. 6238, Cosmograph Rolex, "Oyster Cosmograph", case No. 1226474, Ref. 6238. Made circa 1965. Very fine and rare, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with round-button chronograph, registers, and a stainless steel Rolex USA Jubilee bracelet.

HKD 140,000 - 200,000

USD 20,000 - 30,000 / EUR 14,000 - 20,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, polished domed bezel, Twinlock winding crown. D. Bicolor matte silver and black with faceted steel baton indexes and luminous dots, subsidiary black guilloché dials for the seconds, 12-hour, and 30-minute registers, outer minute/seconds division. Luminous steel baton hands. M. Cal. 722, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 3 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 37 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Approx overall length 180 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-33-07

Good

Restored

HANDS Replaced

Notes

In 1962 the Ref. 6234 evolved into the Reference 6238 and featured in the Rolex catalogues until 1968. This reference is also called "Pre-Daytona" by collectors and was produced in stainless steel and in 14K and 18K gold. It was published for the first time in the Rolex catalogue for the Italian Market in 1964 and remained there until 1968. Its production is estimated at 3,600 examples from 1962 to 1967. The ref. 6238 was not yet an "Oyster" version and did not have a screw-down winding crown or screw-down timing buttons. The reference 6238 was the first new chronograph model launched after Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf?s death in 1960. Similar watches are published in ?Rolex Daytona: a Legend is Born?, Best Edition 2006, by Pergola, Mazzariol, Dosso, pp. 6 - 42.