ROLEX | PRE-DAYTONA GUN-METAL, REFERENCE 6238STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1965

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 722 manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 1'205'867 Closure: unsigned black alligator strap with stainless steel Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: in good condition with some light scratches even patina to the lume plots. The lume plots at 3 and 6 are missing but there are still some remnants. The lume plot at 5 is partly gone. The hands have some scuffs. Please note that the "Gun Metal" designation refers to the grey dial and not to a darker shade. CASE: it has been polished. With light surface scratches throughout from age and wear. Please note the strap is made of endangered species MOVEMENT: working at time of cataloguing and chronograph function operating. Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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 Rolex reference 6238, colloquially referred to as the “Pre-Daytona”, was produced between the early 1960s and 1967. Interestingly, its production life overlapped with the first Rolex Daytona, the reference 6239, launched in 1963 in the USA and the following year in Europe.
The present ref. 6238 was manufactured in 1965 and fitted with the cal. 722, the evolution of the 72B, which was introduced the same year and which equipped the 6238 until 1967.
The monochromatic light grey 'gun-metal' dial, fitted on this lot, was the third and of the last series, introduced around 1964.