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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Chronograph 'Pre-Daytona', Ref: 6234

Partially verified

This stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch by Rolex, reference 6234, dates to circa 1960. Known colloquially as the 'Pre-Daytona', the source reports this model has a 36mm tonneau-form case fitted with a screw-down crown and two chronograph pushers. The silvered dial features applied dart hour markers, an outer blue telemeter scale, an outer black base scale, and three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour recording. According to Bonhams, it is powered by a 17-jewel Valjoux Calibre 72 movement and carries a personal back engraving dated 1957–1960.

Rolex Anti-Magnetic Oyster Chronograph 'Pre-Daytona' Ref. 6234 on a black strap
Rolex Anti-Magnetic Oyster Chronograph 'Pre-Daytona' Ref. 6234 on a black strap — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6234
Catalogue / lot identifier
14
Source-reported date
Circa 1960
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
425676

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Identity

This reference 6234 wristwatch is constructed with a brushed and polished tonneau-form stainless steel case measuring 36mm. It features a screw-down crown flanked by two chronograph pushers.

The case back includes a personal engraving reported by the source as: 'P.W.D from all at Schweppes (USA) Ltd Oct 57 - Jan '60'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Size: 36mm”
  • “Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down crown flanked by twin pushers”
  • “personal engraving to back reads 'P.W.D from all at Schweppes (USA) Ltd Oct 57 - Jan '60'”

Dial and Mechanism

The silvered dial features applied polished dart hour markers and three subsidiary dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock for 12-hour, 30-minute, and constant seconds recording. The dial includes a blue telemeter scale, a black base scale, and black outer 1/5th second divisions with luminous dot markers.

The movement is identified by the source as a 17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72, described as a manual wind column wheel chronograph adjusted to three positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered, applied polished dart hour markers”
  • “subsidiary dials at 3, 6 and 9 for constant seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording”
  • “17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual wind, adjusted to 3 positions, column wheel chronograph”

Documentation and Status

The watch is catalogued as a Rolex reference 6234, colloquially referred to as 'Pre-Daytona', and dated to circa 1960. Accompanying items listed in the source include a Rolex box, outer card, guarantee, service receipt dated 28/11/2007, and original glass.

The auction records indicate that this lot was withdrawn from sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Date: Circa 1960”
  • “known by the nickname 'Pre-Daytona'”
  • “Please note this lot has been withdrawn”

Open research questions

  • Verify if the movement serial number or specific caliber adjustment details can be confirmed via third-party documentation.
  • Investigate the historical context of the Schweppes (USA) Ltd 'P.W.D' engraving mentioned in the source.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Chronograph 'Pre-Daytona', Ref: 6234
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference6234“Reference: 6234”
Movement calibre17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72“17-jewel Valjoux Cal.72 manual wind”
Case size36mm“Size: 36mm”
Case numberNo.425676“No.425676”
Case engravingP.W.D from all at Schweppes (USA) Ltd Oct 57 - Jan '60“personal engraving to back reads 'P.W.D from all at Schweppes (USA) Ltd Oct 57 - Jan '60'”
Case Number425676“No.425676”

Visible details

  • Three subsidiary dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock
  • Fitted with a black leather strap featuring visible black edge stitching
  • Steel round case with two chronograph pushers flanking the winding crown
  • Applied dart-shaped indices and central chronograph hand on a silvered dial

Research qualifications

  • The auction house marked this lot as withdrawn
  • The movement and case back engraving are not visible in the photograph; descriptions rely on auction house cataloguing

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : Rolex. A rare stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch Anti-Magnetic Oyster Chronograph 'Pre-Daytona', Ref: 6234, Circa 1960

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 520b857b1c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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