ROLEX | PRE-DAYTONA, REF 6238STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1965

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 72B manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down crown and back Case number: 1'226'514   Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp,  Dimensions: 36mm, bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: and all chronograph functions are in working condition at the time of cataloguing. CASE: The bezel with signs of wear throughout and tiny pinhead dings at places. The band with minor surface wear at 9 o'clock and particularly toward the lugs. Underneath the upper and lower left lugs with minor surface scratches from removing the bracelet. The case has been gently polished. The case back with minor surface wear throughout and the milling with very minor wear, inside case back is stamped 6238, C.R.S, 2. The Rolex bracelet has been replaced, it has minor surface wear and is stretched, otherwise it is stamped J10. DIAL: with tiny specks at places, but is hardly visible with the naked eye. The luminous dot indexes with minor loss of material to most numerals beside 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The luminous materials to the indexes and the hands have been relumed during a servicing. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

The reference 6238 is referred to by collectors as the "Pre-Daytona", since it is immediately followed by the reference 6239 that marks the first Cosmograph Daytona ever released. It is an important model in the history of Rolex as it marks the turning point in the transition from the older classical chronographs to the modern ones. The "Pre-Daytona's" were only produced for a short period of time during the 60s and therefore quite rare.