Rolex

• cal. 72 manual-winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to three positions • black dial, gilt tracking and printing, applied gilt Arabic 12 o'clock and dagger indexes, gilt alpha hands, three recessed engine-turned subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute register, outer scale calibrated for 60 units • tonneau case, sloped bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed    

The movement is running and chronograph is functioning, however it might require service soon. The dial is in very nice condition and has aged from a black to a slightly lighter charcoal gray color. The gilt printing for 'Oyster Perpetual' and 'Anti-Magnetic' is slightly lighter in color than the Rolex and the coronette logo. Overall the dial is in wonderful condition. The case is generally in good condition with some general wear to the lugs and outside of the back. There are some scuffs to the side and the upper left lug as well as the back of all of the lugs. The end of the bottom chronograph button is missing and will need to be replaced. The outside of the back is stamped 'Stainless Steel'. The numbers between the lugs are 6234 and 425520 and the inside of the back is stamped 6234. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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."

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

Typically, Pre-Daytona models have silvered dials with black printing. The present example is especially unusual, featuring the very attractive combination of black dial with gilt printing. The dial design, with Arabic 12 o'clock and dagger indexes, and no tachometer scale lends this watch an open, elegant look. The rarity of the dial on this already desirable model makes this example especially collectible in today's market.

Examples of Ref. 6234 are illustrated in Papaleo, P., I Cronografi Rolex: La Leggenda, pp. 254-273. Examples with black dials can be found in the same text, pp. 257 and 271.