Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph 6238 Pre-Daytona Gray Dial
Price on Request
Couldn't load pickup availability
DESCRIPTION
Wonderful and extremely rare steel Rolex Pre-Daytona 6238, a true time capsule in completely original condition, including the original U.S.-spec Jubilee bracelet and excellent provenance.
This watch was offered to us by a client who purchased it in 1971 for $1,000 at a U.S. pawn shop. Since then, it has remained in careful ownership, and it shows. Nothing here has been touched up or altered—this piece has preserved its true vintage character.
CASE
The stainless steel case is in remarkably good condition for its age. The lugs remain thick. As the engravings on the case and case back (6238 CRS) indicate, the watch has been polished a few times over the years, but always in a moderate and respectful manner. There is no corrosion, and no deep dents or damage.
The smooth bezel is original, flat, and appropriate for the reference. Serial number: 1.22x.xxx, corresponding to the 1965 production year.
DIAL & HANDS
One of the highlights of this watch is certainly the beautiful silver-to-grey dial (MK1) with tachymeter scale, which shifts between light silver and warm grey depending on the lighting.
Most of the luminous plots are still intact. Upon closer inspection, you can see light scratches in the lower right section of the dial, but they do not affect the overall appearance or wrist presence. The luminous material reacts correctly under UV light.
The hands are perfectly matched and complement the watch’s overall aesthetic. The minute and hour hands still carry their original tritium lume. The fine, slim black subdial hands are from the early production phase—exactly as they should be for this reference. The chronograph hand with a white tip was replaced during a previous service; originally, the watch was delivered with a black-tipped hand.
MOVEMENT & TECHNICAL DETAILS
Inside this 6238 beats the reliable and highly regarded Valjoux 722 hand-wound movement—the same caliber later used in early Daytonas.
Especially noteworthy is the exceptionally original and untouched condition of the movement. It’s clear that this watch has only been serviced once or twice in its lifetime—and with great care.
The screw heads are completely intact, showing no signs of improper handling or damage, which often occurs with poorly executed servicing. The delicate components of the chronograph mechanism are pristine, a clear indication that the movement was never subjected to unprofessional or frequent disassembly.
Why does this matter? In repeated or careless cleanings—such as in rotating washers—small components are often placed together in metal baskets, leading to fine friction marks and micro-scratches over time, especially on functional surfaces. None of that is present here.
This is strong evidence of extremely gentle handling and that all movement parts are in original condition—nothing has been replaced or tampered with. Even the "ROW" stamp on the bridge, indicating import to the U.S. market, is crisp and untouched.
BRACELET & ACCESSORIES
The watch is fitted with an original Rolex Jubilee oval-link bracelet, U.S. version with 49 end links and USA stamp on the clasp. The bracelet is in original condition, shows typical stretch for its age, and contributes to the authentic appearance of this Pre-Daytona.
This 6238 is for collectors who appreciate true vintage character, historical value, authenticity, and originality. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most elegant vintage Rolex references ever made.
Wonderful and extremely rare steel Rolex Pre-Daytona 6238, a true time capsule in completely original condition, including the original U.S.-spec Jubilee bracelet and excellent provenance.
This watch was offered to us by a client who purchased it in 1971 for $1,000 at a U.S. pawn shop. Since then, it has remained in careful ownership, and it shows. Nothing here has been touched up or altered—this piece has preserved its true vintage character.
CASE
The stainless steel case is in remarkably good condition for its age. The lugs remain thick. As the engravings on the case and case back (6238 CRS) indicate, the watch has been polished a few times over the years, but always in a moderate and respectful manner. There is no corrosion, and no deep dents or damage.
The smooth bezel is original, flat, and appropriate for the reference. Serial number: 1.22x.xxx, corresponding to the 1965 production year.
DIAL & HANDS
One of the highlights of this watch is certainly the beautiful silver-to-grey dial (MK1) with tachymeter scale, which shifts between light silver and warm grey depending on the lighting.
Most of the luminous plots are still intact. Upon closer inspection, you can see light scratches in the lower right section of the dial, but they do not affect the overall appearance or wrist presence. The luminous material reacts correctly under UV light.
The hands are perfectly matched and complement the watch’s overall aesthetic. The minute and hour hands still carry their original tritium lume. The fine, slim black subdial hands are from the early production phase—exactly as they should be for this reference. The chronograph hand with a white tip was replaced during a previous service; originally, the watch was delivered with a black-tipped hand.
MOVEMENT & TECHNICAL DETAILS
Inside this 6238 beats the reliable and highly regarded Valjoux 722 hand-wound movement—the same caliber later used in early Daytonas.
Especially noteworthy is the exceptionally original and untouched condition of the movement. It’s clear that this watch has only been serviced once or twice in its lifetime—and with great care.
The screw heads are completely intact, showing no signs of improper handling or damage, which often occurs with poorly executed servicing. The delicate components of the chronograph mechanism are pristine, a clear indication that the movement was never subjected to unprofessional or frequent disassembly.
Why does this matter? In repeated or careless cleanings—such as in rotating washers—small components are often placed together in metal baskets, leading to fine friction marks and micro-scratches over time, especially on functional surfaces. None of that is present here.
This is strong evidence of extremely gentle handling and that all movement parts are in original condition—nothing has been replaced or tampered with. Even the "ROW" stamp on the bridge, indicating import to the U.S. market, is crisp and untouched.
BRACELET & ACCESSORIES
The watch is fitted with an original Rolex Jubilee oval-link bracelet, U.S. version with 49 end links and USA stamp on the clasp. The bracelet is in original condition, shows typical stretch for its age, and contributes to the authentic appearance of this Pre-Daytona.
This 6238 is for collectors who appreciate true vintage character, historical value, authenticity, and originality. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most elegant vintage Rolex references ever made.
