ROLEX | Chronograph
Black Dial
Ref. 6238
1960s
Mother of all Rolex Daytona’s
Introduced in 1960, this chronograph was produced until 1967/1968. The reference 6238 marks the transition of the classic Rolex Chronographs to the modern Rolex Daytona's, which is why it is accompanied by the designation "Pre-Daytona". With its pure but modern elegance - given by the smooth bezel and the tachymeter scale printed on the dial – this masterpiece is one of the very great classics.
The watch is characterized by a very high quality of preservation. Only small numbers of this Rolex chronograph were produced. A total of about 3,590 pieces - most of which are known in the combination of steel with silver dial, as well as 225 pieces in 14-karat gold (reserved for the US market) and another 150 pieces in 18-karat gold.
Only an extremely limited number of these steel model were produced with the "Black Dial". What makes this model unquestionably one of the rarest timemachine of the world's collectors.
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In the pre-series from serial number 866.xxx, dials of the previous reference 6234 were mounted, as well as visually identical dials, both with and without tachymeter scale, and with and without the lettering "Oyster". The dials intended for the early models featured the lettering "SWISS" at the lower edge and the dials "T SWISS T" after the million series number, which is already the case with this particular piece. And it correctly bears the early "Brevets" stamp of the Rolex dial manufacturer "Singer".
This chronograph is a verified Rolex original third series 6238 black dial with 722 movement in very good condition and also the dial is verified as an original black dial, which was partially touched up in the early days, but has maintained a very good state of preservation to this day. As rarely as these black dials are - according to Edmond Saran of "Le Monde Edmond", there are even up to 14 different dial variants. This is a one of superb beauty for you & in this collector's set - a golden opportunity.
We deliver this remarkable masterpiece with a complete major overhaul carefully maintained along the year 2022 to 2023. Result is a Rolex chronograph in amazingly fine shape & condition.
Previously, this 1960s chronograph had its last known service at Rolex around the turn of the millennium in the years between 1999 and 2000, when it received the Rolex Solid Oyster Bracelet (full length). However, the desirable original Rolex Jubilee Bracelet of the watch (folded with original end-link reference 74), manufactured by the licensee Gay Frères, is still present, in full length and in remarkably splendid condition.
// A brief history of Gay Frères: Founded in 1835 by Jean-Pierre Gay and Gaspard Tissot, the company initially produced jewelry and chains for pocket watches, later bracelets for wristwatches, and soon won Rolex as a prestigious customer. At that time, it was not yet common for watch manufacturers to also supply the bracelets for their watches. In fact, the bracelets were - usually very expensive - extras.
// A brief history of the "Rolex Oyster Bracelet": As securely as an oyster encloses its precious pearl, the Oyster Bracelet is intended to enclose the Rolex on the wrist of its owner. The bracelet is the result of the collaboration between Rolex and Gay Frères in the first half of the last century. It is one of the reasons why the Rolex Oyster is generally considered to be an exceptionally robust and versatile timepiece.
// A significant change took place in 1998, when Rolex bought Gay Frères. This step was considered one of the most important vertical operations in the history of Rolex, because the company, founded by Hans Wilsdorf, had the plan to be able to determine every step in the production of its own watches and thus ensure the highest quality from a single source.
As the cherry on the cake - this rare example of a Rolex chronograph bears its serial number not only in the case, but also, as one of the rarest Rolex timepieces, the last 3 digits of the serial number additionally in the caseback.
The new owner of this Rolex chronograph will also become the owner of the fully preserved collector's set, consisting of all components of the original delivery condition in the 1960s, including box & paperwork with punched serial number.
All in all – a truly desirable Collectors Full-Set of a Rolex Chronograph.
Manual movement caliber 722
Diameter 36 mm without crown
Technical indications | Keeping time +11 sec/day
Serviced 2022/2023
Differential taxation according to § 25a UStG. No taxes included. | Differenzbesteuerung nach § 25a UStG. Kunstgegenstände und Sammlungsstücke, Sonderregelung.
