Rolex

Chronograph wristwatches first appeared in the Rolex catalog in 1937, utilizing movements from Valjoux. The initial single button, two register pieces were soon followed by the now familiar configuration of two buttons and three registers. The first Oyster Chronograph was the Reference 5034, followed by the 5035, 6034, 2334, which graduated to the 6238. To the untrained eye, differences between references can be almost imperceptible and seemingly trivial, with many parts interchangeable between these references. However, this belies the importance of these collective improvements over time.

The arrival of the Ref 6239 and 6241 did however bring significant change. While the case remained the same as the 6238, Rolex introduced the use of inverted colors for the chronograph sub dial and the tachymeter scale was moved from the dial on to the watches enlarged outer bezel, increasing the watches diameter my 1mm - a small change that made a significant visual difference. The References 6238, 6239 and 6241 were all available from Rolex retailers simultaneously, with reference numbers for the 6238 being seen as late as 1.69m serials, the Reference 6239 as early as 923,000 serials, and the Reference 6241 from 1.5m serials.  

The 6239 was available with a number of different dial configuration across its lifespan. Some of the earlier examples are of particular interest with very early examples displaying the double ‘SWISS’ text below the 6 hour marker, also double Swiss underline dials, and double T-Swiss-T dials that are all within a very small range of serial numbers. Of course, the most recognizable and traditionally the most desirable variants being those with exotic dials, dubbed ‘Paul Newman’ dials.

The present lot is with a simpler dial variant, however that is undoubtedly the rarest and simplest of the Ref 6239. Given the name 'The Solo,' the current watches dial displays a simple yet beautiful balance to the lettering on the dial. Gone is the name ‘’Cosmograph,” with only the Rolex name appearing in hard enamel letters. This is not a mistake or omission, but clearly an intended dial variation. The Rolex name does not appear in the traditional location just below the coronet allowing space for any additional text, but is found lower down the dial, closer to hand stack giving a much more balanced and even appearance to the dial. The main dial plate has a beautiful brushed sun ray effect radiating from the hands to the outer edges that contrast with the dark blackened sub registers.

One of only a handful of examples known to exist, the lot is presented in excellent over all condition and represents one of the rarest variation of any Daytona, not just the Reference 6239.