135 Rolex An absolutely rare and sought-after Rolex Pre-Daytona Anti-Magnetic reference 6234 in yellow gold with original box

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Model: Pre-Daytona
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 6234
Year: 1960
Case N°: 576333
Caliber: 72
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 36
Accessories: Box

A Rolex Daytona timepiece is one of the most iconic watches that Rolex has ever produced: much of the success of the modern-day Daytonas can be attributed to the various Rolex chronographs that came before them. Preceding the Cosmograph Daytona family of watches, the Oyster chronograph reference 6234 is one of Rolex’s most sought-after watches, effortlessly combining a sporty look with elegant flair. Since it came earlier, these models can be considered as the grandfather of the Daytonas and for this reason the 6234 are also called Pre-Daytona although this name would be up to the 6238. This model followed the reference 6034 and the main difference between the two was the composition of their cases: the 6034 was composed by a two-body case while the 6234 with a three-body one with removable bezel. This reference is the last before the debut of baton hands and faceted hour markers, both present in the ref. 6238 and both absolute pillars of the Daytona’s design. Most of the 6234 watches were in stainless steel Oyster cases and very few in 14k or 18k gold: the present lot it is part of the latter group, becoming extremely intriguing from a collecting point of view. The yellow-gold case shows intact and very crisp stamps and a special dedication on the back “Carl L. Campbell – With appreciation and regard 1938–1963 The partners Alex Bronw & Sons” while an ocher-colored oxidation is spreading over the entire frame. The yellow-gold dagger numerals and alpha hands are the original one with still the same luminous material and the silver dial with blue tachymetric scale is simply pure. Together with this watch is offered the box too, a plus that is added to an already extraordinary object.