Lot
23
Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘The Ancestor’
n early, highly rare and very well-preserved ‘First Series’ chronograph wristwatch with ‘Double Swiss Underline’ black dial, tachymeter bezel and bracelet. Rolex
YEAR
Circa 1963
REFERENCE
6239 inside case back stamped 6238
CASE
923’233
MODEL NAME
Cosmograph
MATERIAL
Stainless steel
CALIBRE
Manual, cal. 72B, 17 jewels
BRACELET/STRAP
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, end links stamped 71, max. length 195mm
CLASP/BUCKLE
Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.64
DIMENSIONS
36.5mm diameter
SIGNED
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
ESTIMATE CHF 100,000-200,000 O EUR 85,000-170,000 US$ 100,000-200,000
HAMMER PRICE
LITERATURE For a comparable example in literature, please consult Ultimate Rolex Daytona by Pucci Papaleo Editions, pages 104 to 107.
Reference 6239 was introduced in 1963, which was a breakthrough year for Rolex. Named the “Cosmograph”, the model featured for the very first time a tachymeter scale on the bezel. While originally announced as the “Le Mans” it was eventually called “Daytona”. This watch is among the earliest reference 6239s ever produced and displays all the correct attributes of the popular “Double Swiss Underline”. The Mk 1 bezel is calibrated to 300 units per hour and features small hash marks. It is also recognizable by the 275 intermediary unit, which cannot be found on later examples. The black “Double Swiss Underline” dial is most compelling. Rolex had originally used dial stamps that were designed for use on previous models. Since the bezel of the new “Cosmograph” was larger and covered the original printing, Rolex redesigned the stamps and printed “Swiss” the second time. Once the dial was fitted, the inscription was immediately visible again. Most striking is the underline below the Rolex Cosmograph signature, which scholars believe was used to signify a transition from radium to tritium on the dial. Other small details pull the watch together, such as the 6238 case back, which is correct as Rolex usually used the leftover case backs from previous models. The movement is stamped ROW, indicating it was made for the American market – another typical attribute. The hands are also slightly longer and thinner, almost touching the edge of the hour markers. This watch appeals to purists “in the know” who seek a subtle yet interesting Cosmograph.
DETAIL OF THE CLOVER-SHAPED KIF SHOCK ABSORBER AND ROW STAMP – ENLARGED SHOT OF THE DIAL WITH UNDERLINED GRAPHICS – ANGLED IMAGE OF CASE PROFILE, BEZEL, CROWN AND PUSHERS.
MANUFACTURER
DAYTONA ULTIMATUM 119