ROLEX

• cal. 722-1 nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 17 jewels, adjusted to three positions • silvered brushed dial, applied baton indexes, three engine-turned subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer tachometer scale • tonneau water-resistant-type case, smooth bezel, two round chronograph pushers in the band, screw-down crown, screw back • case, dial and movement signed  • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster stretch bracelet, endpiece lacking

Overall, a beautiful example and very rare to find with its original Guarantee. It is important to note that it is being offered by the original owner and to the best of our knowledge, has never been offered for public sale before. The movement is running and the chronograph is functioning, however it may require service soon. The dial is in beautiful condition and shows very minimal discoloration at all. There are a few light scuffs to the 30-minute register (which is visible in the photograph) and some light discoloration to the outer edge (which is visible only under a loupe). The luminescent dot at 3 o'clock is missing and the dot at 9 o'clock has partially flaked off. The case shows very light wear and light surface scuffs to the bezel and tops of the lugs. The case back shows more general scuffs and surface marks. The numbers between the lugs are very clear and read 6238 and 1226572; inside the back is stamped 6238. The bracelet is missing one end-piece and is quite stretched- it will need to be repaired before use. It is numbered 1/72. Overall in nicely preserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an original numbered Rolex Garantie dated June 18, 1973, and fitted leather presentation box. 

The 'Pre-Daytona' stands as the bridge between the vintage chronographs of the 1930s-1950s and the more modern angular styling of the Cosmograph Daytonas.

As with the majority of earlier Rolex chronographs, the 'Pre-Daytona' featured a tachometer scale on its dial. With the launch of its successor, the Daytona Ref. 6239 (see lot 155-156), the tachometer was removed from the dial and placed onto the bezel.

The new Daytona models were also fitted with dials incorporating a standard base color with differently colored subsidiary dials; the 'Pre-Daytona' was fitted with a single tone silvered or black dial and a smooth bezel.

The simple, classic design of the case, along with the elegance of the monochromatic dial, has made this watch very collectible in today's market. The present example is particularly desirable as it is being offered for the first time by the original owner.

For extensive discussion and illustrations of Ref. 6238, the 'Pre-Daytona,' see Pergola, C., Mazzariol, S., and Dosso, G., Rolex Daytona: A Legend is Born, pp. 5-42.

Also see Papaleo, P., I Cronografi Rolex: La Leggenda, pp. 278-289. For a similar example bearing a similar silvered dial, see pp. 286-287 of the same text.