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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Rolex Pre-Daytona Chronograph Reference 6238

Partially verified

This Rolex reference 6238 wristwatch, widely referred to as the 'Pre-Daytona', is constructed from 18-karat yellow gold. It serves as a precursor to the Daytona series, notably the reference 6239, which introduced an external tachymeter bezel. The reference 6238 is defined by its monochromatic dial, which features the signature 'Rolex Chronograph' at the twelve o'clock position. The tachymeter scale is printed directly on the outer edge of the dial, leaving the bezel smooth and ungraduated. According to the source, yellow gold examples of this reference represent a small fraction of the total production, with estimates suggesting approximately 300 units were manufactured. The watch is equipped with a three-register chronograph and a gold metal bracelet. Technical specifications regarding the movement and exact production years are not provided in the source description.

Rolex Pre-Daytona chronograph ref. 6238 in 18k yellow gold showing the monochromatic dial and ungraduated bezel.
Rolex Pre-Daytona chronograph ref. 6238 in 18k yellow gold showing the monochromatic dial and ungraduated bezel. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6238
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
سوئیس

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

Design and Dial Configuration

The reference 6238, commonly known as the 'Pre-Daytona', features a distinct monochromatic dial aesthetic. Unlike the later Daytona models, the tachymeter scale is integrated directly onto the dial surface. This configuration allows for a minimalist appearance with a smooth, ungraduated bezel.

The dial includes three subsidiary registers and displays the text 'Rolex Chronograph' at the twelve o'clock position. The source notes this as the final generation of Rolex chronographs to carry this specific marking on the dial before the introduction of the Daytona reference 6239, which shifted the tachymeter scale to an external bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “مقیاس تاکیمتر مستقیماً بر روی حاشیه صفحه چاپ شده است و بزل آن بدون هیچ‌گونه درجه‌بندی طراحی شده است”
  • “آخرین مدلی از رولکس محسوب می‌شود که صرفاً این عنوان را بر روی صفحه خود داشته است”

Production and Historical Context

The reference 6238 is recognized for its connection to the transition toward the Daytona series. It is reported that the production of the 18-karat yellow gold version of this reference was limited, accounting for less than 10 percent of the total output for this reference.

Historical estimates suggest that approximately 300 yellow gold units were produced throughout the reference's lifespan.

Evidence for this section
  • “تخمین زده می‌شود که نمونه‌های طلای زرد رفرنس 6238 کمتر از ۱۰ درصد از کل تیراژ تولید این رفرنس را تشکیل می‌دهند”
  • “رفنس 6238 پیوند مستقیمی با تاریخچه شکل‌گیری خانواده دیتونا دارد”

Physical Condition

The watch is presented in a yellow gold case paired with a matching gold metal bracelet. The external components, including the case back and the bracelet, appear to be in good physical condition based on the provided photographs.

Detailed information concerning the movement, exact dimensions, or service history is not documented in the source. All specifications provided are derived from external data and are not verified as a formal expert assessment by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “جزئیات مربوط به سلامت فیزیکی بدنه تنها از طریق تصاویر قابل مشاهده است، که در آن پلاک بدنه، بند فلزی و قاب پشتی سالم به چشم می‌خورند”
  • “وضعیت فنی دقیق، کالیبر موتور، ابعاد قاب و سابقه سرویس قطعات در متن منبع به طور تفصیلی ذکر نشده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized in this yellow gold reference 6238?
  • What are the precise chronological production ranges for the yellow gold variants of the reference 6238?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Pre-Daytona Chronograph Reference 6238
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“برند سازنده: Rolex”
Reference6238“شماره رفرنس: 6238”
Material18-karat yellow gold“از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار ساخته شده است”
Dial InscriptionRolex Chronograph“عبارت ساده «Rolex Chronograph» را به نمایش می‌گذارد”
Production EstimateApproximately 300 yellow gold units“معادل تقریبی حدود ۳۰۰ عدد در کل دوره ساخت برآورد شده است”
Tachymeter ScalePrinted on dial“مقیاس تاکیمتر مستقیماً بر روی حاشیه صفحه چاپ شده است”

Visible details

  • Tachymeter scale printed on the dial perimeter
  • Gold-toned hands and hour markers on a light-colored dial
  • Smooth, ungraduated yellow gold bezel
  • Three-link gold bracelet with folding clasp

Research qualifications

  • Total production numbers and population of yellow gold units are based on estimates rather than confirmed records
  • Movement caliber and precise manufacturing date are unstated in the source

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex کرنوگراف Pre-Daytona رفرنس 6238 طلا زرد

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 61a6b41f0f

Terms in this record

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

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