Rolex Chronograph Gold Pre-Daytona ref. 6238

Rolex 6238: The Pre-Daytona that inspired a legend.

When we talk about the Rolex Daytona, we are talking about an absolute icon, the most famous and desired chronograph in the world. But before the myth was born, there was a model that anticipated its spirit, design and philosophy: the Rolex Chronograph ref. 6238, for many people one of the most elegant and underrated vintage chronographs from the crowned House. To me, it is the true and only Pre-Daytona.

Although the term Pre-Daytona is often used to describe all Rolex chronographs prior to ref. 6239 (the first to bear the name Daytona), ref. 6238 represents a watershed moment: the link between the classic chronographs of the 1950s and the modern Daytona of the 1960s.

Introduced in 1963 (serial 866.@@@) and produced until 1967, it was made in three variants:
– 3590 pieces in steel
– 225 in 14 kt. gold
– and only 150 in 18 kt gold

It is a watch that today impresses with its clean aesthetics and understated but decisive design. It was offered with at least 14 dial variants, many of them derived from earlier models in very early production. But what makes it unique is the fact that it is the last Rolex chronograph with the tachymeter scale printed on the dial, and also the last to bear the simple wording Chronograph, without yet the name Daytona.Between the classic chronographs of the 1950s and the modern Daytona of the 1960s.

The final versions are distinguished by monochrome dials, mainly in soleil silver, but in very rare cases also in deep black, giving a soft, refined glow thanks to the sunburst finish. The result? A watch that looks elegant but sporty on the wrist, important but never ostentatious. It has the restraint of great classics and the stage presence of collector’s pieces.

Prominent among the details that today’s savvy collectors seek out is the short minute hand, which does not extend beyond the markers on the outer tachymeter scale-an element that characterizes the very first versions and that many consider the original, authentic configuration.

And then there is the fact that makes every collector dream: only 225 examples in 14 kt gold left the factory over sixty years ago. How many will have survived, in excellent condition, untouched in their beauty? Very few. Very rare.

What I want to say is simple, but important: the Rolex 6238, although still not reaching the stellar quotations of the Daytona, is a model with enormous collecting potential, still undervalued, but destined, in my opinion, for major revaluation. For vintage Rolex lovers, for those who appreciate timeless beauty and historical significance, the 6238 is much more than a “Pre-Daytona”:
It is the watch that inspired the legend.

Rolex Chronograph Gold Pre-Daytona ref. 6238
Serial 14225**,1966

Case:
14kt gold in excellent condition
Serial and reference are perfectly visible between the lugs

Dial:
original Rolex soleil argenté dial
in perfect condition

Case back:
original Rolex 6238 14kt
in excellent condition

Bracelet:
Rolex leather strap

Accessories: none

CONFIDENTIAL NEGOTIATION

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS WATCH?

WANT MORE PHOTOGRAPHIC DETAILS?

CONTACT US OR WRITE US IN CHAT