Rolex

• cal. 722 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance • black dial, applied baton indexes, luminescent dots and hands, engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer minute track and tachometer scale • stainless steel Oyster case, screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement is running and the chronograph is functioning at the time of cataloguing, however the winder is loose and will require servicing. Dial in good condition. The dots and hands are no longer luminous. Case worn and with signs of re-polishing but overall in good condition. **The leather strap of this wristwatch is made from 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/Daytonas. As with the majority of earlier Rolex chronographs, the 'Pre-Daytona' featured a tachometer scale to its dial. With the launch of its successor, the 'Daytona' Ref. 6239, the tachometer was removed from the dial and placed onto the bezel. The new Daytona models were also fitted with dials incorporating a standard base color with differently colored subsidiary dials; the 'Pre-Daytona' was fitted with a single tone silvered or black dial and a smooth bezel.
Examples of Ref. 6238 Pre-Daytonas with black dials are especially rare and highly collectible in the market today. The present dial is a beautiful example of this rare design variation.
For extensive discussion and illustrations regarding Ref. 6238, the 'Pre-Daytona,' see Pergola, C., Mazzariol, S., and Dosso, G., Rolex Daytona: A Legend is Born, pp. 5-42.
Also see Papaleo, P., I Cronografi Rolex: La Leggenda, pp. 278-289. For a similar example bearing a black dial, see pp. 288-289 of the same text.