ROLEX | 'PRE-DAYTONA', REF 6238STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1963

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 72 B manual winding, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 1'000'257 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 36 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex guarantee and presentation case

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the chronograph working. CASE: in very good condition with nice proportions and metal-brushed finishing to the top of the lugs. The case has likely been refurbished with laser and the bezel has been later added. There is some light wear visible with the naked eye. The bracelet reference 78350 is in very good condition with light surface wear. The endlinks are stamped 557B. DIAL: in good condition with fine surface scratches and some other blemishes visible with the naked eye. The hands were likely replaced at a service and the chronograph seconds hand has been painted black instead of being steel. 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 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 examples. The "Pre-Daytona" was only produced for a short period of time during the 60s, making them rare to come by on today's market.