Chronographs first appeared in the Rolex catalog in 1937, utilizing movements from Valjoux. The initial single-button, two-register pieces were soon followed by the now-familiar configuration of two buttons and three registers. The first Oyster chronograph was the Ref. 5034, followed by the 5035, 6034, and 2334, eventually evolving into the 6238. As is often the case with Rolex, the differences between references can be almost imperceptible and seemingly trivial, with many parts interchangeable between references. However, these incremental changes belie the importance of these collects ive improvements over t.mes .

The arrival of the Ref. 6239 and 6241 brought significant change; while the case remained the same as the 6238, Rolex introduced inverted colors for the chronograph sub-dials, and the tachymeter scale (used for measuring speed or distance over t.mes ) was moved from the dial onto the watch’s enlarged bezel, increasing the watch’s diameter by 1mm—a small change that made a significant visual difference.

The References 6238, 6239, and 6241 (the latter similar to the 6239 except for a black acrylic bezel insert replacing the metal bezel) were all listed in the same Rolex catalog of the era and could be found at Rolex retailers simultaneously. Serial numbers for the 6238 appeared as late as 1.69 million, while Ref. 6239 began as early as the 923,000 range, and Ref. 6241 from 1.5 million onwards. The updated design's visual appeal led to significantly higher sales for these later models compared to the older 6238. Due to the interchangeability of many parts, a handful of later Ref. 6238 cases were used to produce 6239 and 6241 configurations, predominantly by Rolex USA, essentially creating ‘transitional’ models. This particular piece, consigned by the family of the original purchaser, bears the reference number 6238 with a matching case back stamping of 6238.

The 14K stamp and hallmarks remain clear and sharp.

During this period, watches in 14K gold were predominantly delivered to the North American market, as restrictive import duty regulations made 14K gold easier and more cost-effective to import than 18K gold. Deliveries typically occurred only after an advance order. In addition, the balance wheel bridge displays the ‘ROW’ engraving, marking it as an import by Rolex USA.

The watch's crisp serial number, 1,836,336, dates it to circa 1968. Although it has the visual appearance of a Ref. 6241 with a black acrylic bezel, two-color dial, and ‘Daytona’ designation above the register at 6 o’clock, the T SWISS T designation at 6 o’clock is in the earlier, larger print, which is correct for the period.

The subsidiary running seconds and chronograph hands are gold, not black as seen in later examples.

Sotheby’s had the honor of selling a similar transitional 6238/41 with a Tiffany & Co. double-signed dial directly from the original family owner on June 24, 2020.

We are honored to offer this watch fresh to the market directly from the family of the original owner, in truly exceptional condition.

View Letter from the consignor