ROLEX | PRE-DAYTONA, REF 6234STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCHCIRCA 1956

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 72 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 130'889Closure: Rolex crocodile strapDimensions: 36 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets. Movement bears the ROW American code. CASE: in good overall condition, with traces of minor polishing. With light surface wear throughout, with slightly more pronounced marks to the back. Serial number and case number are clearly legible between the lugs. Inner-caseback stamped 6234. DIAL: dial in excellent overall condition with all luminescent plots intact. With minor corrosion marks to the coronet and faceted triangular indexes. With radium dust spots on the dial, visible under UV light. Hands in excellent condition, matching with the dial under UV light. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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 Rolex 6234 was released in 1955 and produced until 1961. This reference holds a significant place in the Rolex heritage, as its natural technical improvements lead the brand to design and release the Daytona in 1963. The pre-Daytona is powered by a Valjoux 72 movement and encased in a waterproof Oyster case. The total stainless steel production for this reference is estimated to be approximately 2300 pieces.
The present stainless steel example was manufactured in 1956 and fitted with a dial devoid of any measuring scale. The early Brevet case adds a host of collectible trivia to this very well preserved timepiece.