6238, 'Pre-Daytona' Chronograph, Black Galvanic Dial, Steel

The 6238 is the final Pre-Daytona, but the black dial 6238 is something of the ultimate Pre-Daytona. With its smooth steel bezel, restrained 36mm proportions, and monochromatic dial, the 6238 is utterly discreet. The 6238 was fitted with silver, grey, and black dials—the latter of which is by far the least common and most desirable. Black dials are widely estimated to account for less than 5% of production, a grail Pre-Daytona.

Introduced in 1962, the 6238 focused on clarity and restraint. Eventually deleting the 6234’s overlapping chronograph scales, simplifying the subdials, and switching handsets from baton to dagger, the 6238 created the most contemporary chronograph yet—one which still feels attractive and relevant today. While it might look quite similar to the successor ref. 6239 Daytona, the bezel here was still clean, with the tachymeter on the dial. With only two lines of text at 12 reading simply ‘Rolex Chronograph’, the appeal of the 6238 to Rolex collectors is equally about what Rolex chose to leave off the dial. 

This 6238, though, is amongst the rarest. The black galvanic dial is easily the most desirable Pre-Daytonas made. Most estimates suggest that fewer than 5-7% of all 6238 were black dials (the remainder in silver and grey). If we take the high estimate of 3000 examples in ref. 6238 made (across all metals and dials), that’s still only 200 examples in total. It is likely the total surviving today is likely considerably lower. Black dials can further be divided between this matte and gilt gloss, as well as varying print styles. While just a dozen steel gilt gloss examples are known, all variants are highly desirable. This is a matte (grené), second-generation with galvanic print. Additionally, its tritium has aged beautifully to a light pumpkin tone. 

The minimal and austere design of the 6238 has an appeal to many collectors. The 6238 appears so close to the Daytona in attitude, and yet the small differences in design set it wildly apart from a 6239 on wrist. Interestingly, both were sold concurrently through the mid-60s. And yet, today, 6238 feels just as contemporary. The black dial, however, is simply almost never seen. Black dial is undoubtedly king in the 6238, here not just for its stealthy monochromatic appearance, but inarguable beauty.  

This 6238 is very well-preserved. Its case is crisp with full lugs, brushing present, and excellent edges. The case dates to 1967 (1.6M). The dial has no damage or marks present, with a lovely defined galvanic print, signed T SWISS T. Importantly, there is no mile unit in the tachymeter. Its handset sports the original thin registers and white tipped small arrow chronograph hand. The C&I rivet Oyster bracelet is stamped 1-62. The Valjoux 722 is running well in specification.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.