1 / 1014 Nov 2026
47 / Rolex
6234, Oyster Chronograph, Anti-Magnetique, Pre-Daytona, Yellow Gold (18-carat)
Estimate: $100,000 – 160,000
- Brand
- Rolex, Geneva
- Model
- “Oyster Chronograph” “Anti-magnetique”, so-called “pre-Daytona”
- Year
- Circa 1961
- Reference
- 6234
- Calibre
- 72 A, 17 jewels
- Materials
- Yellow gold (18-carat)
- Bracelet
- Yellow gold (18-carat) “Oyster” riveted bracelet with deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36 mm
- Thickness
- 13.3 mm
- Length
- 210 mm (approx.)
- Weight
- 104.77 gr (approx.)
- Signature
- Dial, case and movement
- •
- 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round push-pieces located on the case-band) with tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres in black colour and telemetric scale graduated for a kilometre in blue colour
- •
- Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
- •
- 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
Rolex Oyster Chronograph, Reference 6234 Produced primarily from the second half of the 1950s into the early 1960s, Rolex reference 6234 belongs to the last generation of “Oyster” chronographs preceding the introduction of the “Cosmograph”. Succeeding reference 6034 and preceding reference 6238, it represents an important stage in the evolution that would lead to reference 6239, introduced in 1963 and forming the basis of the “Cosmograph Daytona” family. Reference 6234 is still documented in the early 1960s and remained listed in Rolex catalogues until 1963. The designation “Pre-Daytona” is retrospective and was never used by Rolex for reference 6234 when it was originally marketed. At the time, the watch simply belonged to the family of “Oyster” chronographs, its dial bearing, according to the variant, such inscriptions as “Rolex”, “Oyster Chronograph” and “Anti-Magnetic”. Strictly speaking, the “Pre-Daytona” designation is more commonly associated with reference 6238, the immediate predecessor of the “Cosmograph” 6239; by extension, however, it is now also applied to earlier references, notably the 6034 and 6234. Measuring approximately 36 mm in diameter, reference 6234 was produced predominantly in stainless steel, with much smaller numbers made in 14- and 18-carat yellow gold. Its construction follows the “Oyster” principle, with a screw-down case back and winding crown, while the chronograph is operated by two round, non-screw-down pushers positioned on either side of the crown. The metal bezel remains smooth, the scales required for chronograph measurements being printed on the dial. Depending on the version, the dial may feature a tachymeter scale, used to calculate average speed over a known distance, together with a telemeter scale, used to determine distance from the interval between two phenomena perceived successively by sight and sound. Dials with simpler configurations are also documented. Reference 6234 is notable for the considerable variety of its dials: silvered, cream or black, matt or glossy, with different forms of applied hour markers and various arrangements of the peripheral scales. The dimensions of the three subsidiary dials also vary; on some versions they are relatively large and visually encroach upon the peripheral scales, while on others they remain entirely contained within the central area of the dial. The arrangement of the indications nevertheless remains consistent: constant seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock and 12-hour register at 6 o’clock, together with the central chronograph seconds hand. This arrangement clearly illustrates the stylistic evolution that would ultimately lead to the “Cosmograph”. On reference 6234, the scales printed around the periphery still give the dial a relatively dense appearance. Reference 6238 retains the smooth bezel and dial-mounted tachymeter scale but adopts a more restrained presentation. With reference 6239 in 1963, Rolex transferred the tachymeter scale to the metal bezel, freeing the periphery of the dial and establishing one of the defining visual characteristics of the future “Daytona”. Reference 6234 is powered by a movement belonging to the Valjoux 72 family, one of the principal mechanical chronograph architectures of the twentieth century. Depending on the period and the individual watch, documented examples are fitted with calibres 72, 72 A and 72 B. These are manually wound movements of approximately 13 lignes, generally fitted with 17 jewels and beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The chronograph mechanism is controlled by a column wheel with horizontal coupling and incorporates 30-minute and 12-hour registers. The precise calibre should therefore be identified individually for each watch. Production of reference 6234 was relatively limited. In the absence of officially published Rolex production figures, estimates generally accepted by specialists suggest approximately 2,250 examples in stainless steel, 108 in 14-carat yellow gold and only 36 in 18-carat yellow gold, representing a total production of approximately 2,400 watches. Gold versions would therefore account for only around 144 examples. The 14-carat watches appear to have been intended notably for the American market; certain examples bear the American import code “ROW” on their movements. Succeeded in the early 1960s by reference 6238, reference 6234 therefore occupies a pivotal position in the history of Rolex chronographs. It retains the traditional characteristics of the post-war “Oyster” chronograph – screw-down case back and crown, round pushers, smooth bezel, scales printed on the dial and a column-wheel Valjoux movement – while anticipating the aesthetic and functional organisation that would lead, a few years later, to the “Cosmograph”. Produced in relatively small numbers, offered with a remarkable variety of dial configurations and particularly rare in gold, reference 6234 represents an important link between the post-war “Oyster” chronographs and the subsequent “Cosmograph Daytona” family. –– Bibliography Goldberger, John [Auro Montanari], “100 Superlative Rolex Watches”, Bologna, Damiani, 2008, pp. 120-127. Gobbi, Paolo, “I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda”, Pucci Papaleo Editore, 2004, pp. 254-276. Antiquorum, “The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches”, auction catalogue, Geneva, 14 May 2006, lot 240. Antiquorum, “Revolution: The Evolution of the Rolex Sport Watch”, auction catalogue, New York, 17 April 2008, lots 233-234. ––
Biography
Rolex, Passion for Perfection Rolex is a world-renowned Swiss watch manufacturer, founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf (1881-1960). The history of Rolex is closely linked to the innovative and visionary spirit of its founder who had a passion for horology and who believed in the possibility of creating precise and reliable wristwatches. In 1905, at the age of 24, he founded the company “Wilsdorf & Davis” with his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, in London, specializing in the distribution of watches. At the time, wristwatches were still considered unreliable, but Hans Wilsdorf was convinced that they would become precision instruments, both elegant and reliable. To guarantee the reliability of these resolutely innovative pieces in the eyes of the public, he equips them with small, highly precise movements, manufactured by a Swiss factory located in Bienne / Biel (Canton of Bern / Berne). At the same time, he opened a technical office in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Canton of Neuchâtel). In 1908, he registered the “Rolex” brand with the company’s branch located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which was then transferred to Bienne / Biel. It focuses on the development of high-precision wristwatches. Very quickly, the company experienced success: in 1910, it was a Rolex watch which received the first certificate granted to a wristwatch by the Bureau officiel de contrôle de la marche des montres (Official Office for the Control of Watch Movements) in Bienne / Biel. It has an 11-line movement. Four years later, in 1914, it was the turn of the Kew Observatory, in Great Britain, to issue a Class “A” rate Bulletin to a Rolex wristwatch. In 1919, Hans Wilsdorf transferred the Rolex offices to Geneva, 18, rue du Marché, and founded the company “Montres Rolex S.A.”. In 1926, a major step was taken with the creation of the first waterproof and dustproof watch. Called “Oyster”, this watch with its hermetic case like a safe guarantees optimal protection of the movement. This revolutionary model allows the brand to become a reference in the field of waterproof watches. Thanks to a case equipped with a patented system of screwed bezel, case-back and winding-crown, the hermetically sealed “Oyster” offers optimal protection to the movement. The “Oyster” thus represents a complete horological concept, including the case and the movement with a global perspective of improving chronometric performance. If Hans Wilsdorf presents the “Oyster” as “la plus importante invention de ces dernières années concernant les montres” (the most important invention of recent years concerning watches), it is because its waterproofness also brings a major advance in terms of maintaining precision over time. In 1928, Rolex created the first “Prince” model which was produced until 1935. This model enjoyed immense success thanks in particular to its chronometric prowess. Avant-garde in its rectangular shape, the “Prince” stood out, at the time, for the performance of its movements. It is the subject of a patent for the positioning of the hands in two superimposed dials, one for the hours and minutes, the other for the seconds. Rolex is also a pioneer in the development of the self-winding movement, with its central rotor introduced in 1931. This patented system, called “Perpetual”, allows Rolex watches to wind automatically thanks to the movements of the wearer’s wrist, thus eliminating the need daily manual winding. Since 1927, Rolex has associated its renowned precision and excellence with the world of sport by becoming a sponsor of various leading sporting events. This new adventure begins with the “24 Hours of Daytona”, a 24-hour car race, which today bears the name “Rolex 24 at Daytona”. In 1950, the increasingly prestigious brand was elected the official timing company of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Rolex will even go so far as to launch watches dedicated to sporting exploits such as mountaineering, aviation or scuba diving such as during the first ascent of Everest or in the depths of the oceans. From now on, Rolex and the world of sport are privileged partners. Rolex owes its fame to its precision watches, but also to its avant-garde spirit from which it has never departed since its creation. Indeed, the epic continues with, in 1945, the release of the “Oyster Perpetual Datejust” model, the first watch to indicate the day of the month. Then, under the direction of André Heiniger, Swiss business leader who succeeded Wilsdorf, other versions of the “Oyster” were created, such as the “Oyster Perpetual Submariner” which withstands depths of one hundred meters or even the “Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master” on which you can read the time in two different time zones. Today, Rolex is considered one of the most prestigious and iconic luxury watch brands in the world. It offers a wide range of models, ranging from diving watches to dress watches, including sports watches, with its emblematic models such as the “Datejust” (1945), the “Day-Date” (1956), the “Submariner” (1953), the “GMT-Master” (1955) and the “Cosmograph Daytona” (1963). Rolex is widely recognized for its quality, precision, and prestige in the watch industry. Each watch is manufactured with great attention to detail, using high-quality materials and benefiting from rigorous quality control. The brand places great importance on the precision and reliability of its watches, and each watch is chronometer certified, attesting to its precision certified by rigorous testing. Rolex embodies the perfect alliance between aesthetics, functionality, and durability. His watches are symbols of status and success and are sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts around the world. -- Key dates • 1905: Hans Wilsdorf founds “Wilsdorf & Davis” in London, England, which later became Rolex. Initially, the company focused on the distribution of watches, but Wilsdorf aimed to create precision wristwatches. • 1910: Rolex becomes the first watch brand to receive official certification from the Bienne / Biel Bureau officiel de contrôle de la marche des montres (Official Office for the Control of Watch Movements). • 1926: invention of the “Oyster” waterproof case, which is the first waterproof and dustproof watch case for a wristwatch. This revolutionary innovation reinforces Rolex’s reputation for robustness and resistance to the elements. • 1931: invention of the “Perpetual” rotor, the first self-winding system with a central oscillating weight. This system uses the natural movement of the wrist to wind the watch, eliminating the need for manual-winding. • 1945: launch of the “Datejust”, the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in an aperture on the dial. This prestigious watch comes with the “Jubilee” bracelet created especially for it and has a fluted bezel: a Rolex watch recognizable at first glance. It is the mainstay of the “Oyster Perpetual” collection. • 1953: launch of the “Submariner” watch, the first diver’s watch waterproof to 100 metres. This watch became iconic in the field of scuba diving and set the standards for later dive watches. • 1956: presentation of the “Day-Date” watch, which displays not only the time, but also the entire day of the week. It quickly became a reference watch for influential people and heads of state. • 1967: introduction of the calibre 1575 with the “GMT-Master” function, which displays a second time zone. -- Iconic models and current collections • “Datejust”: a timeless Rolex classic. It is characterized by its dial with the date displayed at 3 o’clock, its classic-shaped case and its “Jubilee” or “Oyster” bracelet. It is a versatile watch, suitable for formal or casual occasions. • “Day-Date”: also known as “President”, it is a prestigious watch. It is characterized by its dial displaying the day of the week and the date, its precious metal case and its “President” bracelet. • “Explorer”: this model embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions and offers optimal readability. It is a simple, elegant and functional watch. • “Submariner”: legendary diving watch, appreciated for its robustness, reliability and functionality. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel and high-water resistance. • “GMT-Master”: it is a watch designed for travellers. It has a GMT function, allowing two-time zones to be displayed simultaneously. It is also appreciated for its distinctive aesthetic, with a two-tone bidirectional rotating bezel. • “Daytona”: this is Rolex’s emblematic chronograph watch. It is often associated with the world of motor sports and is appreciated for its sporty design and its readable dial.