We love a Daytona, but the ref. 6234 of Pre-Daytona is what paved the way. This piece demonstrates a more thorough understanding of the chronograph and the history of Rolex itself. The Rolex chronograph was especially popular with drivers due to the presence of different colored tachymeter and telemeter markings, for measuring speed and distance respectively. The new Daytona no longer has the telemeter, and the tachymeter markings are now on the bezel instead of the face, giving the Pre-Daytona a more subtle look. The subsidiary dials display constant seconds, thirty-minute, and twelve-hour counters. The Caliber 72 mechanical movement contains 17 jewels and has a monometallic screw balance and an in-line escapement, with a manual movement. The chronograph function is utilized with the two round push buttons surrounding the crown.

This ref. 6234 in particular, other than being in marvelous condition, comes with substantial provenance. The watch was purchased in 1959 and was given as a gift from a wife to a husband for a wedding anniversary. The husband kept all of the Pre-Daytona's accessories, including the original guarantee paper, original Rolex clamshell box, Rolex's Gentlemen's Watches booklet, and shipping receipts from when the watch went to service. To top it off the watch also includes a letter from the original owner's son from 2012.

Additionally, this watch just received a full service from a CMW21 (Certified Master Watchmaker-21st Century), the highest-ranking of watchmaking. The movement in this ref. 6234 Pre-Daytona is in the absolute best condition available with full photo documentation of the servicing process. The watch's accuracy is under CMW21 warranty.

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent "Pre-Daytona" case has been lightly polished but remains very strong showing little signs of use. The smooth stainless steel bezel is wonderful showing no major wear signs. The case retains its original crown and pushers. The Rolex C I "U.S.A. Made" stretch rivet bracelet was sourced with the watch and remains in superb condition, displaying practically no stretch and retaining 12 links. 

DIAL & HANDS

This original and early Rolex chronograph dial is in stunning condition, the dial itself has taken on a beautiful warm patina. The "telemeter" is located on the outside of the inner minute track in blue and black text which accents the blued hands of the sub-dials and sweep-seconds hand perfectly. The sub-dials remains exceptionally clean. The radium lume plots all remain intact and have taken on a warm patina, under U.V. light inspection the radium lume shows some very minor degradation. The original radium alpha-hands match the dial and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection.

ACCESSORIES 

Watch is complete with the original Rolex clamshell box, Gentlemen's Watches booklet, guarantee paper, shipping receipts, and 2 letters from the original owners. The watch was just serviced by a CMW21 Watchmaker and has full photo documentation of said service, the watch's movement is still under CMW21 warranty. It appears the movement bridge could have been replaced during one of the Rolex service intervals.