ROLEX | A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND BRACELET REF 6238 CASE 1934203 'PRE-DAYTONA' CIRCA 1968

• cal. 722-1, manual winding lever movement, 17 jewels • silvered sunburst dial, applied baton numerals with luminescent dots, luminescent hands, three sunken engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer minute and 1/5 seconds divisions, outer tachymeter scale • stainless steelcase, screw-down crown and back, two chronograph pushers to the band • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet

The movement running and the chronograph function operation at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the hour register of the chronograph doesn't reset properly and would need to be serviced at the buyer's expense. The dial in good overall condition, the lume plots at 3 is partly gone and the one at 6 isn't perfectly round. The hands are scuffed and their patina matches the dial. The case with light scuffs throughout, has been polished, especially and as often the upper right lug and has a satin finish. The case back with some scuffs from previous attempts to open it. Bracelet with some light scuffs, a bit loose, 7835, end links 357. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service might 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."

It is usually assumed that the reference 6238, today known as the 'Pre-Daytona' was introduced at the beginning of the 1960's and available until 1967.  The present lot, however, was produced in 1968 and should, as such, be considered as one of the very last 6238 manufactured.
Furthermore, this watch can be regarded as a true bridge between the 6238 and the later references such as ref. 6239, 6240 as it shares some characteristics with these models.
Firstly, the watch is not fitted with the traditional calibre 72B but with the rare 722-1 that was produced during a very short period, around 1968 and was mainly fitted on the late production of ref. 6239 the first Daytona and the 6240 'prototype' waterproof Daytona.
Secondly, the shape of the case is not round as the majority of the 6238 but is slightly convex to the crown, with a light hollow after the lower right lug, giving it a profile very similar to the ref. 6240.
Finally, this piece is fitted on a folded 7835 bracelet that appeared around 1968 as opposed to the tradition bracelets for the 6238 that are the expanding 6635 and the riveted 7205.

With these rare features, this watch is a rare and fascinating insight into the history of the Rolex Daytona.